Marlins trade Heath Bell to Diamondbacks, Athletics acquire Chris Young
Heath Bell of the Miami Marlins pitches during the 9th inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs. (July 17, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
After the Miami Marlins announced they traded Heath Bell, they instantly tweeted, — using their handle, @Marlins — "BREAKING NEWS: The Miami Marlins have traded Heath Bell. RETWEET if you agree with this trade."
No other details — including where Bell was headed or who the Marlins acquired as part of the deal — were included in the tweet, despite the room for more characters. Apparently, at least for Marlins fans, no other details were necessary as more than 250 retweets occurred in less than 30 minutes.
Bell previously expressed his unhappiness toward the Marlins and manager Ozzie Guillen, who did not restore his role as closer after he surrendered 18 earned runs in less than 20 innings before June 1.
But if Bell still has a wish to close games the trade is not exactly good news. The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired the reliever in a later deal, and Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said Bell can help "get the ball to J.J. Putz," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times.
The Bell trade was the latest of transactions involving the Diamondbacks on Saturday. Their first one was an ominous sign for Bell's closing aspirations.
The Diamondbacks picked up the contract option on closer J.J. Putz for the 2013 season Saturday morning. Putz recorded 32 saves and posted a 1-5 record with a 2.82 ERA in 57 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 2012.
"We are looking forward to bringing him back in the same role next season as we continue to look for ways to strengthen the team," Towers said in a statement.
The search for improvement led to more moves.
The Oakland Athletics acquired veteran center fielder Chris Young from the Diamondbacks in exchange for infielder Cliff Pennington and minor league infielder Yordy Cabrera. The A's also received cash considerations from the Diamondbacks.
Young, a 2010 National League All-Star, has produced three 20-homer, 20-stolen base seasons during his seven years with the Diamondbacks. The 29-year-old outfielder played in only 101 games in 2012 due to injuries, batting .231 with 24 doubles, 14 home runs, 41 RBIs and eight stolen bases.
Arizona later traded Cabrera to the Marlins for Bell and cash considerations. The team will pay $13 million out of the $21 million owed to Bell and $500,000 of the $10 million that is left on Young's salary.
Perhaps, their busy day left no room to ask for approval via Twitter from their fan base.
