Heath Bell Explains Why Pitching for Red Sox Never Came to Fruition, Says Marlins Were ‘Really Aggressive’

by abournenesn

Dec 5, 2011

Heath Bell Explains Why Pitching for Red Sox Never Came to Fruition, Says Marlins Were 'Really Aggressive'DALLAS –– During the offseason, Heath Bell was on the Red Sox' radar. But apparently, they weren't aggressive enough for his preference.

As a result of Boston's meticulous approach, the Marlins swooped in and inked the closer to a three-year, $27 million contract. After his introductory press conference on Monday, Bell reflected on why playing in Boston never came to fruition.

"The Red Sox –– it was just the situation, I think," Bell said. "I really wanted to know that I was going to be some place for multiple years. I didn't want to go some place for a year or two and I wanted to build something."

"I'm a huge guy in the community and I want to do as much as I can to help the organization out and I don't think you can do that in one or two years. You can put your stamp in three to four years."

For the past three years, Bell recorded over 40 saves –– an asset the Red Sox could have used with the departure of closer Jonathan Papelbon. But it just wasn't in the cards to reunite with former Padres teammate Adrian Gonzalez.

"Miami was really aggressive and they really wanted me," Bell said. "I might get more money somewhere else or the same deal, but do I really want to go to somebody who I'm on the second or third seat in their direction or somebody who wants me now?"

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