Guillen: Bell might get another chance to close for Marlins
Manager Ozzie Guillen said the Miami Marlins are about ready to give Heath Bell another chance at the closer's role.
When Bell does get the closer's job back, Steve Cishek -- who is 6-for-6 in save chances since the All-Star break -- will pitch the eighth inning.
"We talked about it today," Guillen said before Wednesday's game, referring to his coaching staff. "We might flip-flop them now that he is throwing better to see how it works. But that decision has not been made yet."
Bell lost the job at the All-Star break after blowing six of 25 save chances in the first half and finishing with a 6.75 ERA. Bell has 10 scoreless appearances in the second half but he has not pitched in a save situation.
"I like the way he is throwing," Guillen said. Bell's success "is the reason we think about it to move him back where he belongs. Where he should be. He should be there.
"Now I think he is back to where he is what he is and we're going to give him another opportunity. We have been thinking. We have been talking and we like that idea."
Bell said he figured out why he struggled in the first half and said he has shortened his stride. Guillen didn't sound impressed when told about that.
"Nobody can figure out," Guillen said. "He is pitching well. He has pitched better, but he pitched in the sixth and seventh and the eighth. We're going to see if he has figured it out in the ninth.
"I'm glad he is pitching that way. Go out and do it. Nothing against what he said. It's just that this game is too complicated and too tough to say I already figured it out."
