Developing: Seattle Mariners Reportedly Interested In Heath Bell

According to MLB Trade Rumors (MLBtr.com), the Mariners are among the teams interested in Heath Bell, veteran reliever recently released by the Tampa Bay Rays.

The report also states that the Baltimore Orioles are also among the 4 teams interested in Bell’s services.

Bell, 36, was once the closer for the San Diego Padres and feared coming in to pitch the 9th inning. However, in his 17 1/3 innings with the Rays he didn’t quite produce: he posted a 7.27 ERA with 6.2 strikeouts per 9 innings to go with an extremely high 4.2 walks per 9.

Moreover, it looks Bell would sign a minor league deal and start with the team’s Triple-A affiliate, to regain strength, command, and confidence.

With the way the Mariners ‘Pen has been hot and cold throughout the start of this season, it begs the question whether or not a veteran presence like Health Bell could help this team. After all, there is no such thing as too much pitching depth– just look at the Texas Rangers whose season may soon be over with the number of pitchers sidelined with injuries and under-performances.

But what we really care about are the Mariners. So I ask you readers: is Heath Bell a worthwhile signing for the M’s? Would he help this bullpen? Or take up space from guys like Stephen Pryor who should be returning to the Major League squad sooner than later?

Leave your comments below, and check back at Sodo Mojo for developing news.