ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Josh Bell ‘blessed’ for opportunity with D-backs

May 22, 2012, 2:42 AM | Updated: 3:55 am

The Arizona Diamondbacks search for a third baseman has taken yet another turn Monday when the club recalled Josh Bell from Triple-A Reno and designated infielder Cody Ransom for assignment.

Bell, who hit eighth in the lineup Monday night against the Dodgers, will serve as the D-backs’ starting third baseman for the foreseeable future.

“He’s had a good season for us in Triple-A,” Gibson said Monday. “He was very productive down there and we feel like he deserved an opportunity to come up here.”

Bell was hitting .381 with four home runs and 30 RBI in 26 games for Reno. The D-backs acquired the switch-hitter from the Baltimore Orioles on April 21 for a player to be named later.

“I just feel blessed, not just being in the big leagues, just to play baseball,” Bell said. “Hopefully the experience that I got in [Baltimore] and being in the big leagues will help me here.”

Gibson believes his club’s offense could gain a much needed boost from the power Bell possesses.

“He swings the bat good, he kind of has gap power,” Gibson explained. “Not a huge home run hitter, but he can swing the bat well from both sides of the plate, probably a little better from the left side.”

The D-backs are also high on Bell in part because of his ability to limit strikeouts and put the ball in play.

“We’re looking for more contact. Hopefully he’ll be able to provide that,” Gibson said. “I’ve watched him on video quite a bit over the last couple weeks. He deserves an opportunity to come up here and show what he can do.”

Bell has also garnered positive reviews for his defense, an area of the game he prides himself on excelling in.

“Hitting is going to come and go but defense is one of those things where you need to be on your game and make sure you’re making the plays for the guys so that’s what I am putting my work into,” Bell stated.

So far Gibson has been impressed by what he seen of Bell’s defensive skills.

“He seems to make all the plays, he has a good arm throwing across the diamond,” Gibson said. “We’re hoping we bring him into a good environment.”

The D-backs are also hoping Bell will prove to be the answer to their third base woes.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Diamondbacks

Blake Snell...

Associated Press

Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.

2 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen named Opening Day starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen the starter for Opening Day on March 28 when the Colorado Rockies come to Chase Field.

4 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

5 hours ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

8 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

13 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

14 hours ago

Josh Bell ‘blessed’ for opportunity with D-backs