Despite reporting on Friday that the Philadelphia Phillies are the favorites to acquire San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell, Buster Olney tweeted on Sunday that the Texas Rangers are now considered the favorites to land either Heath Bell or Mike Adams.
Olney cited "rival executives" in his tweet:
Texas is all over the bullpen market,and they are considered by rival executives as a favorite to land either Heath Bell or Mike Adams.
Bell hasn't been nearly as dominant as he has the last few years. So far in 2011, Bell has a 1.18 WHIP and 2.61 ERA and has only blown two saves on the year. However, Bell's strikeout rate is the worst it's been in his career, striking out 26 in 38 innings - good for a 6.63 K/9 rate. By contrast, in 2010, Bell's K/9 was 11.06.
Mike Adams has pitched better than Bell this year, serving as one of Bell's setup men. Adams has 19 holds to go along with a 1.29 ERA, .71 WHIP and .155 bating average against. He has struck out 41 batters in 42 innings while walking just seven.
It is unknown what type of prospects would head to San Diego in a trade for either, but hopefully the Rangers won't be giving up too much for either - assuming, of course, that Olney's report is accurate.