From today's Lowell Sun:
Bell rings up another big night for Spinners
Bell, who became the first Lowell minor-leaguer in 72 years to string together three consecutive three-hit games on Friday night, saw that streak end last night. But he finished 2-for-4 for his fourth straight multiple-hit game, raising his batting average to .462.
Bell owns a seven-game hitting streak, during which he is 18-for-30 (.600).
Full Version: Bubba Bell
Bubba has been on fire lately and the entire Lowell team has been fun to watch.
From today's Lowell Sun:
Bats go cold on the road
Bell extended his hitting streak to eight games with a third-inning single and also drew a walk, but Jeff Vincent was the only other Spinner to collect a hit.
Bell has hit .576 (19-for-33) during his eight-game tear and has hit safely in 14 of his 16 games since joining the Spinners. Eleven of those are multiple-hit games, and he is batting .456 overall.
Bats go cold on the road
Bell extended his hitting streak to eight games with a third-inning single and also drew a walk, but Jeff Vincent was the only other Spinner to collect a hit.
Bell has hit .576 (19-for-33) during his eight-game tear and has hit safely in 14 of his 16 games since joining the Spinners. Eleven of those are multiple-hit games, and he is batting .456 overall.
From today's Lowell Sun:
Chaz Scoggins - Home no haven for staff; Spinners pitchers having trouble at LeLacheur Park
Bubba Bell extended his hitting streak to nine games (20-for-36, .556) with a single in three trips last night before being rested in the final three innings. He was named the New York-Penn League Player of the Week yesterday, the second Spinner to be so honored this season.
Chaz Scoggins - Home no haven for staff; Spinners pitchers having trouble at LeLacheur Park
Bubba Bell extended his hitting streak to nine games (20-for-36, .556) with a single in three trips last night before being rested in the final three innings. He was named the New York-Penn League Player of the Week yesterday, the second Spinner to be so honored this season.
From the July 27 Lowell Sun:
Chaz Scoggins - All's well with super hot Bell
Bubba Bell extended his hitting streak to 10 games with two more hits last night, including a sixth-inning single that ignited a game-winning three-run rally as the Lowell Spinners trimmed the Aberdeen Ironbirds 9-8 in front of an SRO crowd of 5,030, the 249th consecutive sellout at LeLacheur Park.
Bell, who has hit a sizzling .537 (22-for-41) during his streak, had to share the spotlight last night with third baseman Manny Arambarris, who became the fifth player in Spinners history to collect five hits in a game.
...
Bell has hit safely in 17 of his 19 games with the Spinners with 12 multiple-hit games. He is batting .447 but does not have enough plate appearances to qualify for leadership in the New York-Penn League.
Bell said he hasn't hit the ball like this since his senior year at Nicholls College in Texas in 2005.
"I was batting .466 halfway through the year, and then I got greedy trying to hit .500," he remembered.
He ended the season hitting .378 and was drafted on the 39th round by the Red Sox.
Bell hit .317 at Fort Myers last summer but put too much pressure on himself at Class A Greenville, where he hit just .215 in 53 games.
"No one wants to be demoted," he said, "but coming here was the best thing that could have happened to me."
Chaz Scoggins - All's well with super hot Bell
Bubba Bell extended his hitting streak to 10 games with two more hits last night, including a sixth-inning single that ignited a game-winning three-run rally as the Lowell Spinners trimmed the Aberdeen Ironbirds 9-8 in front of an SRO crowd of 5,030, the 249th consecutive sellout at LeLacheur Park.
Bell, who has hit a sizzling .537 (22-for-41) during his streak, had to share the spotlight last night with third baseman Manny Arambarris, who became the fifth player in Spinners history to collect five hits in a game.
...
Bell has hit safely in 17 of his 19 games with the Spinners with 12 multiple-hit games. He is batting .447 but does not have enough plate appearances to qualify for leadership in the New York-Penn League.
Bell said he hasn't hit the ball like this since his senior year at Nicholls College in Texas in 2005.
"I was batting .466 halfway through the year, and then I got greedy trying to hit .500," he remembered.
He ended the season hitting .378 and was drafted on the 39th round by the Red Sox.
Bell hit .317 at Fort Myers last summer but put too much pressure on himself at Class A Greenville, where he hit just .215 in 53 games.
"No one wants to be demoted," he said, "but coming here was the best thing that could have happened to me."
From the July 29 Lowell Sun:
Lynn Worthy - Foulke festival
As for the rest of the Mike Lowell Spinners, Bubba Bell scored the game's first run in the bottom of the first on a Ryan Khory sacrifice fly.
Khoury knocked in Bell again with a two-out single in the second inning. Two batters later, Spinners left fielder Zach Daeges sent an offering from Vermont starter Aaron Jackson over the right field fence for a three-run homer.
...
Bell, the New York-Penn League's leading hitter, finished the game 3-for-4 with two runs scored, and Daeges, the league's third-leading hitter, finished with two hits and three RBI.
Lynn Worthy - Foulke festival
As for the rest of the Mike Lowell Spinners, Bubba Bell scored the game's first run in the bottom of the first on a Ryan Khory sacrifice fly.
Khoury knocked in Bell again with a two-out single in the second inning. Two batters later, Spinners left fielder Zach Daeges sent an offering from Vermont starter Aaron Jackson over the right field fence for a three-run homer.
...
Bell, the New York-Penn League's leading hitter, finished the game 3-for-4 with two runs scored, and Daeges, the league's third-leading hitter, finished with two hits and three RBI.
Bubba's gone to Wilmington...
From the August 2 Lowell Sun:
Chaz Scoggins - Two for 1 Spinners hitting into DP's at an alarming rate
It didn't help Lowell's offense that Bubba Bell, who was leading the New York-Penn League in hitting (.429), slugging (.637), and on-base percentage (.497) was promoted to Class A Wilmington on Monday.
From the August 2 Lowell Sun:
Chaz Scoggins - Two for 1 Spinners hitting into DP's at an alarming rate
It didn't help Lowell's offense that Bubba Bell, who was leading the New York-Penn League in hitting (.429), slugging (.637), and on-base percentage (.497) was promoted to Class A Wilmington on Monday.
Looks like Bubba has continued his hot hitting at Wilmington:
Buddy Hurlock, Wilmington News Journal - Galvez bounces back for Blue Rocks
Designated hitter Bubba Bell, recently called up, was 2-for-4 with a single, double and two RBIs. Shortstop Chuck Jeroloman was 2-for-4, second baseman Jeff Natale had a two-run single and right fielder Jay Johnson had an RBI double.
Buddy Hurlock, Wilmington News Journal - Galvez bounces back for Blue Rocks
Designated hitter Bubba Bell, recently called up, was 2-for-4 with a single, double and two RBIs. Shortstop Chuck Jeroloman was 2-for-4, second baseman Jeff Natale had a two-run single and right fielder Jay Johnson had an RBI double.
From the Sept. 3 Wilmington News Journal:
Buddy Hurlock - Grand slam powers Blue Rocks; Bell clears bases with blast to center in first inning
WILMINGTON -- Bubba Bell blasted a two-out grand slam to center field in the first inning to spur the Blue Rocks to a 7-1 win over Frederick on Saturday at Frawley Stadium.
It was his first home run for the Blue Rocks. Bell, making his second start in center field for the Rocks, hit three homers in 56 games at Greenville (S.C.).
Bell is hitting .286 in 17 games with the Blue Rocks.
Buddy Hurlock - Grand slam powers Blue Rocks; Bell clears bases with blast to center in first inning
WILMINGTON -- Bubba Bell blasted a two-out grand slam to center field in the first inning to spur the Blue Rocks to a 7-1 win over Frederick on Saturday at Frawley Stadium.
It was his first home run for the Blue Rocks. Bell, making his second start in center field for the Rocks, hit three homers in 56 games at Greenville (S.C.).
Bell is hitting .286 in 17 games with the Blue Rocks.
Bubba Bell has taken a liking to the offense-oriented California League, as have most of his Lancaster teammates. Through 11 games, Billy Wayne is hitting a robust .396 with 5 HRs and 21 RBIs in 53 ABs. The lefty hitting OFer, who is 24, has a gaudy OPS of 1.221 in the early going.
From today's Antelope Valley Press:
Craig Currier - Hitting Machine; Bell turns heads with his hot start
At 24 years old, Bell's time is now and he is certainly stating his case. From a crowded row of skilled players, he is generating debate. And that is about the most he can hope for right now. The next promotion in Bell's line of succession is a cross-country flight to Double-A Portland.
Moving up, though, will be difficult. In an organization with so many quality outfielders, Bell might have to tread water this season in High-A, waiting to see what happens above him. But if he continues spraying the ball to all fields as he has at the start, the Red Sox curiosity will grow.
The Hangar's ability to massage a player's batting statistics is no secret anywhere in minor league baseball, but a line-drive base-hit looks the same on any field. If he can push that wonder far enough, the front office will be forced to make a move - in much the same way that the Diamondbacks did last year with Mark Reynolds - and see whether Bell's success is really just a product of the High Desert's hot air and stiff winds.
Craig Currier - Hitting Machine; Bell turns heads with his hot start
At 24 years old, Bell's time is now and he is certainly stating his case. From a crowded row of skilled players, he is generating debate. And that is about the most he can hope for right now. The next promotion in Bell's line of succession is a cross-country flight to Double-A Portland.
Moving up, though, will be difficult. In an organization with so many quality outfielders, Bell might have to tread water this season in High-A, waiting to see what happens above him. But if he continues spraying the ball to all fields as he has at the start, the Red Sox curiosity will grow.
The Hangar's ability to massage a player's batting statistics is no secret anywhere in minor league baseball, but a line-drive base-hit looks the same on any field. If he can push that wonder far enough, the front office will be forced to make a move - in much the same way that the Diamondbacks did last year with Mark Reynolds - and see whether Bell's success is really just a product of the High Desert's hot air and stiff winds.
Bubba keeps on trucking along. He's hitting .352 with 13 HRs in 179 ABs. He's also sporting a nice 34-22 walk-strikeout total. His 1.112 OPS is second in the California League to teammate Tony Granadillo and he's tied for the league lead in HRs.
Although he's taken advantage of his hitter-friendly home park, his splits are not radical -- 1.135 OPS at home and 1.086 on the road.
Although he's taken advantage of his hitter-friendly home park, his splits are not radical -- 1.135 OPS at home and 1.086 on the road.
Named to California League All Star Team.
OF Bubba Bell and INF Tony Granadillo Selected to All-Star Game
24-year-old outfielder Bubba Bell is a candidate for the triple crown as the Texas native leads the California League in batting average at .373 and RBI at 55, and is tied for second in home runs with 14. He has gone back-to-back games without a hit just once all season with 24 multi-hit games. Bell will play center field for the All-Star team.
OF Bubba Bell and INF Tony Granadillo Selected to All-Star Game
24-year-old outfielder Bubba Bell is a candidate for the triple crown as the Texas native leads the California League in batting average at .373 and RBI at 55, and is tied for second in home runs with 14. He has gone back-to-back games without a hit just once all season with 24 multi-hit games. Bell will play center field for the All-Star team.
From today's Antelope Valley Press:
Jason Anderson - Bell is MVP for Cal League at All-Star Game
Bubba Bell and Tony Granadillo combined for five hits and four RBI, and Bell was named his team's Most Outstanding Player after leading the California League to a 10-5 victory Tuesday night before a crowd of 5,064 at Banner Island Ballpark.
"They were joking with me in the dugout, saying I might have a shot to be the MVP," Bell said. "You never know how that stuff is going to work out, but it's definitely a huge honor. It would be huge for anybody. I felt like I got a couple breaks tonight, and hopefully people take notice."
...
Bell played all nine innings and went 3-for-5 with two RBI. He hit a bloop single to shallow right-center in the first inning, an RBI single up the middle in the second and an RBI single to right in the third. Bell was one of only two players to collect three hits, a nice way to make amends after being shut out in the Bank of American Home Run Derby earlier in the evening.
Jason Anderson - JetHawks' Bell goes homer-less in derby
Bell popped up a couple pitches, sliced a few others to left field and lined two off the right-field fence, but he couldn't lift the ball over the wall Tuesday evening at Banner Island Ballpark.
"It's a little embarrassing not hitting any out," Bell said. "I would have liked to have hit at least one, but it's fun either way."
Jason Anderson - Bell is MVP for Cal League at All-Star Game
Bubba Bell and Tony Granadillo combined for five hits and four RBI, and Bell was named his team's Most Outstanding Player after leading the California League to a 10-5 victory Tuesday night before a crowd of 5,064 at Banner Island Ballpark.
"They were joking with me in the dugout, saying I might have a shot to be the MVP," Bell said. "You never know how that stuff is going to work out, but it's definitely a huge honor. It would be huge for anybody. I felt like I got a couple breaks tonight, and hopefully people take notice."
...
Bell played all nine innings and went 3-for-5 with two RBI. He hit a bloop single to shallow right-center in the first inning, an RBI single up the middle in the second and an RBI single to right in the third. Bell was one of only two players to collect three hits, a nice way to make amends after being shut out in the Bank of American Home Run Derby earlier in the evening.
Jason Anderson - JetHawks' Bell goes homer-less in derby
Bell popped up a couple pitches, sliced a few others to left field and lined two off the right-field fence, but he couldn't lift the ball over the wall Tuesday evening at Banner Island Ballpark.
"It's a little embarrassing not hitting any out," Bell said. "I would have liked to have hit at least one, but it's fun either way."
Bubba Bell Named All-Star Game MVP
(LANCASTER, CA) - The two JetHawks All-Stars treated Tuesday night's All-Star Game in Stockton between the California League and the Carolina League just as they would have any regular JetHawks game. Good thing for the California League, too. Bubba Bell knocked three hits en route to being named the game's Most Valuable Player and Tony Granadillo added two hits of his own as the California League defeated the Carolina League
Okay, I know and you know that numbers are inflated in the Cali league.
But this guy needs to be promoted to Portland so we can see if he's legit or a product of his environment. Is there anything left for this guy to do in Lancaster? I realize there's Pinckney and Spann at third at the higher levels, but we need to see what he can do at a higher level.
But this guy needs to be promoted to Portland so we can see if he's legit or a product of his environment. Is there anything left for this guy to do in Lancaster? I realize there's Pinckney and Spann at third at the higher levels, but we need to see what he can do at a higher level.
QUOTE(Manny @ Jun 26 2007, 01:41 PM) [snapback]697440[/snapback]
Okay, I know and you know that numbers are inflated in the Cali league.
But this guy needs to be promoted to Portland so we can see if he's legit or a product of his environment. Is there anything left for this guy to do in Lancaster? I realize there's Pinckney and Spann at third at the higher levels, but we need to see what he can do at a higher level.
But this guy needs to be promoted to Portland so we can see if he's legit or a product of his environment. Is there anything left for this guy to do in Lancaster? I realize there's Pinckney and Spann at third at the higher levels, but we need to see what he can do at a higher level.
Bell is an outfielder, so I don't think the 3B situation at Portland and Pawtucket is much of an issue.
I have no idea when or if he'll be promoted, but I don't think that a guy putting up great numbers for two months necessarily translates into "nothing left to prove." He hasn't proven he can hit at this level for a full season. And sometimes staying in the same place for a year, and going through some ups and downs, can be good for a player's development. Like I said, I have no idea what their plans are for Bell -- he could be promoted tomorrow -- but his performance this year is a bit of a surprise, so I can understand them wanting to see more.
From today's Globe:
Amalie Benjamin - Minor League Notebook: Bell's numbers are bubbling over
It's about you making the decisions for us," said director of player development Mike Hazen. " There's no denying what he's done. He's going to force us to make a decision."
That decision, likely, will involve Bell heading across the country to Double A Portland. Bell has done about all he can to take advantage of the conditions at Lancaster -- which routinely has 30-mile-per-hour winds blowing out to right field -- and hit on the road. His splits aren't as skewed as one might expect, with Bell hitting .406 with 14 home runs (in 25 more at-bats) at Lancaster and .319 with seven homers on the road.
"He's very comfortable," said manager Chad Epperson. "He has a simple approach to the game, and that's all out. He's starting to figure some stuff out. And I think he's put himself in a situation where the organization is going, 'Hmm . . . ' "
Amalie Benjamin - Minor League Notebook: Bell's numbers are bubbling over
It's about you making the decisions for us," said director of player development Mike Hazen. " There's no denying what he's done. He's going to force us to make a decision."
That decision, likely, will involve Bell heading across the country to Double A Portland. Bell has done about all he can to take advantage of the conditions at Lancaster -- which routinely has 30-mile-per-hour winds blowing out to right field -- and hit on the road. His splits aren't as skewed as one might expect, with Bell hitting .406 with 14 home runs (in 25 more at-bats) at Lancaster and .319 with seven homers on the road.
"He's very comfortable," said manager Chad Epperson. "He has a simple approach to the game, and that's all out. He's starting to figure some stuff out. And I think he's put himself in a situation where the organization is going, 'Hmm . . . ' "
QUOTE(Harry Bobbin Manass @ Jun 28 2007, 10:11 PM) [snapback]698806[/snapback]
Bell is an outfielder, so I don't think the 3B situation at Portland and Pawtucket is much of an issue.
I have no idea when or if he'll be promoted, but I don't think that a guy putting up great numbers for two months necessarily translates into "nothing left to prove." He hasn't proven he can hit at this level for a full season. And sometimes staying in the same place for a year, and going through some ups and downs, can be good for a player's development. Like I said, I have no idea what their plans are for Bell -- he could be promoted tomorrow -- but his performance this year is a bit of a surprise, so I can understand them wanting to see more.
I have no idea when or if he'll be promoted, but I don't think that a guy putting up great numbers for two months necessarily translates into "nothing left to prove." He hasn't proven he can hit at this level for a full season. And sometimes staying in the same place for a year, and going through some ups and downs, can be good for a player's development. Like I said, I have no idea what their plans are for Bell -- he could be promoted tomorrow -- but his performance this year is a bit of a surprise, so I can understand them wanting to see more.
Wow, I have no idea why i thought he was a 3rd baseman...Buddy Bell on the Brain maybe?
QUOTE(Manny @ Jun 29 2007, 12:34 PM) [snapback]698982[/snapback]
Wow, I have no idea why i thought he was a 3rd baseman...Buddy Bell on the Brain maybe?
Who doesn't have Buddy Bell on the brain?
Anyway, position issues aside, someone a lot more connected than me seems to think Bell will be promoted to Portland in the next week or two (along with Justin Masterson), so you might be on to something.
Amalie Benjamin's MiL column this morning indicated that may happen, as well as the story I posted from the Antelope Valley Press that noted that the director of amateur scouting was in Lancaster this week and Bell was an "item of interest".
QUOTE(RedSoxAnni @ Jun 29 2007, 06:20 PM) [snapback]699132[/snapback]
Amalie Benjamin's MiL column this morning indicated that may happen, as well as the story I posted from the Antelope Valley Press that noted that the director of amateur scouting was in Lancaster this week and Bell was an "item of interest".
I did see those, Anni, but they weren't very specific -- and the Benjamin mention didn't even appear to be sourced. I thought it was worth passing along what I'd heard -- both Bell and Masterson (as well as possibly Aaron Bates) could be on their way to Portland in early July after Lancaster's one-game playoff (on 7/4) to determine the first-half division champ. Take it FWIW.
Bell has been promoted to Double-A Portland after helping Lancaster secure the 1st-half division crown in the California League, which clinches a playoff spot for the Jethawks.
Bell's final numbers at Lancaster:.370/.455/.665 for an OPS of 1.120. He had 22 HRs and 83 RBIs in 322 ABs over 76 games. He also had 10 steals and more BBs (48) than Ks (39).
Bell's final numbers at Lancaster:.370/.455/.665 for an OPS of 1.120. He had 22 HRs and 83 RBIs in 322 ABs over 76 games. He also had 10 steals and more BBs (48) than Ks (39).
From the Springfield Republican:
Mike Bogen - Let's hear it for Bubba
Besides the batting average, Bell was leading the California League in homers (22), RBIs (83) and slugging percentage (.665). He walked a respectable 48 times for a .455 on-base percentage and 1.120 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and had struck out only 39 times.
There is, of course, always the disclaimer. Not only did Bell compile those numbers in the hitter-friendly California League - see Howie Kendrick, Casey Kotchman, Brandon Wood, Dallas McPherson, Jeff Mathis and even our own Nick Gorneault - he did it in what the Los Angeles Daily News called "arguably the most hitter-friendly facility in all of professional baseball."
Mike Bogen - Let's hear it for Bubba
Besides the batting average, Bell was leading the California League in homers (22), RBIs (83) and slugging percentage (.665). He walked a respectable 48 times for a .455 on-base percentage and 1.120 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and had struck out only 39 times.
There is, of course, always the disclaimer. Not only did Bell compile those numbers in the hitter-friendly California League - see Howie Kendrick, Casey Kotchman, Brandon Wood, Dallas McPherson, Jeff Mathis and even our own Nick Gorneault - he did it in what the Los Angeles Daily News called "arguably the most hitter-friendly facility in all of professional baseball."
I caught my first glimpse of Bubba Bell over the weekend and he rewarded me with a HR (5/31). He looks to be performing well in AA - Avg. .302 & 9 HR (team lead - through 6.2.08). He's a stocky guy and appears to pack some punch. However, he's turning 26 this year so age isn't on his side but he looks to be progressing well through the system thus far. I hope to see him in AAA before the season is out.
Kyle Carrier - NSU grad gets his licks in with Portland Sea Dogs
Even though he has reached Double-A ball, Bell said that he no longer sets a timetable to actually reach the majors. According to Bell, he learned through his agent and a Red Sox sports psychologist that setting a timetable will only increase the chances for feelings of failure.
"I'm in a unique position here with the Red Sox," he explained. "With us or the Yankees, it's an extremely hard organization to go up through the ranks and into the big leagues. I've done OK with my progression."
Bell has worked his way up the ranks quickly, making it to Double-A ball in just his third year in the minor league system. But he still struggles with the feeling that he isn't moving fast enough. Bell said he is anxious for the opportunity to one day play for one of Major League Baseball's elite franchises.
"I'm seeing a lot of guys that I started playing against in A ball and in Rookie Ball that are getting up to the big leagues and that are getting their shot," he said. "I have to realize that I am with a tough organization. It's one of those types of things that I only worry about what I can control. Everything else I just have to put past me and not worry about it."
In the meantime, minor league is competitive, which helps players develop their skills. Since all of Bell's teammates have the same goal in mind - making it to the major leagues - he said it's fun to watch everyone play their best.
Kevin Thomas, Press Herald - Bell on DL with fracture
From bad news to worse ... Sea Dogs outfielder Bubba Bell has a stress fracture in his left femur. Bell initially thought he had a sore quadriceps muscle, but further tests Friday and Saturday revealed the fracture.
Bell, 25, is leaving today for the Red Sox baseball complex in Fort Myers, Fla. to begin treatments. He is out at least four weeks and a return to Portland this year is uncertain.
He didn't play in the All Star Game because of what he thought was a sore quad. This is not good, and he could be out for the season.
From bad news to worse ... Sea Dogs outfielder Bubba Bell has a stress fracture in his left femur. Bell initially thought he had a sore quadriceps muscle, but further tests Friday and Saturday revealed the fracture.
Bell, 25, is leaving today for the Red Sox baseball complex in Fort Myers, Fla. to begin treatments. He is out at least four weeks and a return to Portland this year is uncertain.
He didn't play in the All Star Game because of what he thought was a sore quad. This is not good, and he could be out for the season.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.