The Closer

Let me preface this by saying I love Heath Bell. Been one of my favorite Padres these last few years. But the time has come I think to part ways with him.

I've laid out my reasons as to why I think Heath should be traded, but I'll briefly rehash them here.

First, the Padres do not currently need a closer. They are not now and will not in the future be competing for the World Series in 2009. Nor will they likely compete for a World Series in 2010, and possibly not in 2011 either. These teams do not need a closer.

Second, Bell is 31 and entering an arbitration year. He is probably at the peak of his career right now, and is about to get very expensive.

Third, while Heath cannot help the Padres now or in the foreseeable future, he can help another contending team solidify their bullpen and make a run at the title.

It's been pointed out before (looking at you Wonk) that teams rarely offer up really valuable pieces for bullpen arms in the middle of the season. The one time it did happen (2003 Marlins-Rangers trade of Adrian Gonzalez), it was a case of one particular team feeling it was in a unique situation and needed that one bullpen piece to put them over the top, and they were willing to pay for it. I think we could have that situation about to repeat itself this year.

The Contender

The 2009 Angels are a good team. They're nearly 20 games over .500 and in first place in their division. They've proven they can hang with the top teams in the league by winning series over the Dodgers, Yankees, and Red Sox. But the one thing that continues to cause them problems is their bullpen. For much of the season, it was the absolute worst bullpen in all baseball. Their closer in particular, former Rockie Brian Fuentes, is a huge question mark. He has 30 saves, sure, but he's capable of spectacular meltdowns. Tonight was no exception. With the Angles leading 6-4 in the top of the 9th against the next-to-last-place Cleveland Indians, Brian only needed to get three outs to seal the win and his 31st save. He failed to sit down a single batter. He gave up two singles, followed by a three-run home run. Angels down 7-6. Could he limit the damage? Nope. Next batter, another home run. Angels down 8-6. They go on to lose by that final score.

Fuentes has an ERA of nearly 4. The Angels just cannot be happy relying on him to save games down the stretch and into the playoffs. They need someone better. They need Heath Bell. The way their season has developed, their need for a dependable closer has only grown. They have to be getting nervous. When the Angels call asking about Heath, KT should listen.

The Trade

The Angels have been banging on the door of the Series nearly every year since their run in 2002. They have several pitching and outfield prospects that they have to consider moving in order to get the help they really need. If the Angels are truly willing to pay for Heath, we should sell. I would love it if someone more familiar with the Angels organization than me could shed light on a possible trade. Can you all help?