Heath Bell Trade Rumors Heat Up

The Heath Bell trade rumors are heating up early into the weekend. The San Diego Padres relief pitcher has been the subject of heavy trade rumors for the past several weeks leading up to the trade deadline.

Who are the leading teams on talks to trade for Bell? It appears the Texas Rangers are closing in on acquiring the closer from the Padres-although it seems the talks aren't exactly close from various reports. That could change quickly as the deadline approaches.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports says the two clubs(Rangers and Padres) are "deep" into negotiations regarding Heath Bell.
CBS Sports even quoted Bell as saying "it's going to happen." But will the Rangers and Padres come up with a deal for a trade that will make sense for each club?

The Heath Bell trade rumors probably won't just be rumors after this weekend. The Padres reliever is one of the most coveted players as we approach the deadline. The availability of a guy who is nearly a "lock" to get saves every night is something the Rangers clearly want and need in their bullpen. Expect the Heath Bell trade to happen this weekend unless talks completely break down.

There have been other suitors in the Heath Bell trade rumor mill. But Texas appears to be the most logical landing spot for the closer.

Bell has tallied 30 saves this year while putting up 47 and 42 in each of the past two seasons. If Bell leaves, San Diego relief pitcher Mike Adams could land the role of closer for the Padres. Adams has sparkled out of the bullpen with an ERA of just over 1 run a game this season. The Mike Adams trade rumors have also been hot over the past few days but various reports claim the Padres do not want to part with a guy who appears to be their future reliever.

For fantasy baseball players, Adams is a guy who could get a ton of work and saves if the Bell trade rumors prove to be true this weekend. Another guy who might get traded from the Padres bullpen is Chad Qualls. Qualls could also benefit from the departure of Bell with an additional innings during clutch moments for San Diego-if he isn't dealt.