The Texas Rangers have been hot after San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell. So hot, in fact, that many baseball executives predicted that Bell would end up in Texas by the deadline. The fit is there, with Neftali Feliz struggling, and the Rangers certainly have the prospects to send the other way. On the surface, it seems to make so much sense.
MLB Trade Rumors: Rangers Having Trouble Getting Heath Bell
But Jim Bowden reports that talks aren’t going as smoothly as some figured they might:
Padres - Rangers are not making progress in Bell negotiations.....it’s a stand-off headed for the deadline
Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising. The fit is so good that the Padres might be trying to extract every last bit that they can from Texas before reaching an agreement. The deadline, after all, is still two days away, so it’s not like San Diego is in a rush. The pressure’s on Texas, as they have a need, and other teams are interested in Bell as well. I’m sure they’re trying to hold their ground, but they may have to sacrifice more than they want in order to get something done.
Or maybe they won’t. The important thing is that no Bell trade appears to be imminent. For now. Check back in five minutes.
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