Major League Baseball

Dodgers almost had dream 'pen, but balked

Published Aug. 11, 2009 4:24 p.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The Dodgers were close to acquiring Padres closer Heath Bell at the non-waiver deadline.

Real close.

The Dodgers offered a multi-player package that the Padres were willing to accept, then had misgivings and chose not to complete the deal, two major-league sources say.

Another source, however, puts the onus for the failed negotiations on the Padres, saying that the team changed the players it wanted from the Dodgers at the end.

The talks had a "lot of momentum," one of the sources says, and continued right up until the non-waiver deadline at 4 p.m. ET on July 31.

Regardless of what happened — or, to be more accurate, did not happen
— the Dodgers could use the right-handed Bell.

One of the team's right-handed setup men, Ron Belisario, missed one month with a strained elbow before getting activated on Saturday.

Another, Ramon Troncoso, allowed six runs in a combined 2/3 of an inning in two appearances against the Braves over the weekend.

Now imagine if the Dodgers had acquired Bell.

The combination of Bell and newly acquired lefty George Sherrill would have given the Dodgers a powerful right-left setup tandem in front of closer Jonathan Broxton.

The increased bullpen depth also would have allowed manager Joe Torre to rely less on his starters, who rank 12th in the National League in innings per start.

The Dodgers, who announced Monday that right-hander Chad Billingsley will miss his next turn due to a strained left hamstring, are looking for another starter.

As for the Padres, their trade of right-hander Jake Peavy should make it much easier for them to retain Bell and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez in 2010 and beyond.

The team once again will be open to listening to offers for both this offseason. But the Peavy deal greatly reduced the financial pressure to make such a move.

Mets' Ricco: A threat to Minaya?

There is growing industry buzz that the Mets might force general manager Omar Minaya into an advisory position and replace him with assistant GM. John Ricco at the end of the season.

The Mets are not even considering such a change at this time, according to a major-league source. But don't be surprised if Ricco continues to assume a more visible role with the team, particularly in dealing with the media.

Minaya is not detail-oriented and does not always communicate effectively. His performance at the news conference announcing the firing of assistant GM Tony Bernazard might have been the lowpoint of his tenure. Minaya later apologized to New York Daily News beat reporter Adam Rubin for publicly questioning his motives and credibility.

Ricco, 40, is known mostly as an administrator. Increasing his media responsibilities would allow Minaya to focus more on his greatest strength — player evaluation.

Nats' Guzman: In D.C. to stay?

Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman cleared waivers on Monday, but it would be an upset if he were traded to the Red Sox or any other club.

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