#21
Thank you so much to all my readers for getting me to #21 on the Latest Leaders list this week! I moved up ten spaces, so I am very excited. This week, in the tradition started by Jimmy, I dedicate my ranking to #21, the Padres’ new closer, Heath Justin Bell.
Heath was born in and grew up in California. He signed with the New York Mets in 1998 as an undrafted free agent. He was in the Mets’ minor league system for eight seasons. He actually made his major league debut against the Padres, throwing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. He went the next two seasons going back and forth between Triple-A and the major league club.
In 2006, he was finally traded to the San Diego Padres with Royce Ring for Ben Johnson and Jon Adkins. He never really got a chance with the Mets, so it was great that he got traded to the Padres. Once he was there, he got the 8th inning role as set-up man to Trevor Hoffman. In 2007, he pitched in 81 games and had 102 strikeouts. In 2008 he pitched in 74 games and had 71 strikeouts. He’s pitched a lot for the Padres!
Now he is taking the place of Trevor Hoffman in the closer’s role. Heath only has two major league saves, but he saved 108 games in the minors. He’s been in that closer’s role before, but closing the the minors is a lot different that closing in the majors. He knows that.
Heath is quite the character. He has said that he doesn’t like to talk to guys on the other team because he wants them to think that he’s slightly crazy. He’s like a kid, you know. But he’s very serious about his work, and working out and stuff. Over the offseason he lost 25 pounds by playing Wii Fit. He’s just really funny, in his quotes and his interviews. It will be very interesting to see how he handles the role of a closer, dealing with the failures and the press. He’s an intense guy, and he’s going to bring that out to the mound. Though I miss Trevor a lot, I can’t wait to see how Heath does this year. It will be a learning experience, but I think he will do very well.
Thank you again, so much, to all my readers. I’ve said this before, but it’s so true: without you guys, there is no purpose to this blog. So, thank you so much for reading and getting me to #21. It really means a lot to me. You guys are amazing! Thanks!
GO PADRES!!
(photo credits: cache.daylife.com, padres.com)
Unfinished Business 
Bell is a good safeguard the Padres. He has always been closer material, he was just playing behind another great closer. Way to go with 21!
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/
Do you think you could feel about Heath the way you did about Trevor? Maybe just a little? If he’s successful in the closer’s role?
– http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
HOMER, I hope he does very well! Thanks!
JANE, I really don’t think so, at least not for a few years. Heath’s biggest challenge is going to be winning over the fans, and though I will definitely be supporting him this season, I don’t think he will be a favorite like Trevor was. Besides, Trevor will be back next year, and then Heath can really settle into his role in 2011 đŸ™‚
Congrats on #21!! Keep up the great blogging :O)
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Congrats Kaybee! Great dedication blog and I LOVE the picture on the bike!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Congrats on being #21!!
It should be noted that Heath Bell is good to ballhawks, too!!
“Happy”
http://thehappyyoungster.mlblogs.com/
Kaybee,
Congratulations on your ranking!! Great dedication to Heath Bell! Is he on Team USA?
-Elizabeth
http://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com
Congrats! (again) Great, great dedication to our new closer!! Keep it up. And I need to do that as well.
http://hyunyoung.mlblogs.com
JENN, thanks so much!
JULIA, thank you and I do too!
HAPPY, yeah, I’m sure he is! Thanks!
ELIZABETH, Thanks! And yes, Heath’s on Team USA.
HYUN YOUNG, well thank you (again)! Thanks!
I love that last picture lol.
Bob, http://bostonsports.mlblogs.com/
Hey, Kaybee …
“Congratulations” on your #21 ranking on the latest “Leader’s List” … Little by little you are moving up the list — way to go !!! … Keep up the great work on your blog !!!
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Nice dedication in honor of Heath Bell !!! … I was very impressed with his recent performance in the WBC, striking out the side in his one inning of work for Team USA in their 6-5 victory over Team Canada !!! … It was only a WBC game, but Bell looked in mid-season form in that game !!! … Also, thanks for featuring my name on your above dedicaion post !!!
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Take care, Kaybee !!!
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— Jimmy [27NYY], “BY&L”
http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/
Congrats on #21! Heath is an awesome person on and off the field. I love that picture on the bike. He is my favorite reliever on the San Diego Padres!!
http://adriangonzalez23.mlblogs.com/