Rays create roster room by removing Bell from it

By MARC TOPKIN
Published July 10, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays designated pitcher Rob Bell for assignment Saturday, creating space on the 40-man roster for the possible addition of former Cubs closer Joe Borowski.

While Bell, who had been pitching for Triple-A Durham, said he was not pleased with the move, he was not surprised or discouraged because he believes he is close to regaining control of his pitches as well as the psychological and emotional problems that landed him on the disabled list in May.

"I don't think I've pitched my last innings in the big leagues this year," Bell said Saturday before flying home to Tampa. "The last two weeks I've made big strides, and I'm a lot more confident and everything else."

The Rays have 10 days to trade, release or pass Bell through waivers to send him to the minors. Most likely, he will clear waivers this week, because teams won't want his $800,000 salary, and accept an outright assignment to go back to Durham. He could refuse the assignment and become a free agent but would forfeit his salary.

"I'm going to play. To go home would not benefit me nor would starting over somewhere else," Bell said. "The only frustrating part is that I've been pitching in very limited action, and that's been something of an obstruction in getting back to the level I need to get to. I want to get extended to four to five innings at a time and go from there."

Bell on Friday completed a 30-day rehab assignment, forcing the Rays to make a decision. He was 1-1 with a 13.50 ERA in 122/3 innings in seven games for Durham, allowing 25 hits and five walks.

The right-hander, 28, made the rotation out of spring training but was moved to the bullpen after two okay starts and one bad one. He made four relief appearances then had to take himself out of a May10 game after anxiety attacks and a severe loss of control.

He sought counseling and various treatments and pitched several times in extended spring training before going to Durham.

"He's coming back from a tough situation, and I hope he comes all the way back," manager Lou Piniella said. "It's going to take a lot of work both from a mental and a physical (standpoint)."

The right-hander, 34, was designated for assignment on June2 after battling injuries and compiling a 6.55 ERA in 11 games and isn't expected to be claimed because of his $2.3-million salary.

The Rays also had some interest in Rick Bauer, who was designated by Baltimore, but are not expected to claim him on waivers.

Baldelli said he decided not to retain Boras as his representative and has not hired a new one. The Rays made an initial offer to Baldelli last season, put discussions on hold after he suffered a serious knee injury and resumed preliminary talks before his recent elbow injury that will sideline him until spring training.

[Last modified July 9, 2005, 23:35:17]