There have been several players over the last few years that have been fairly vocal about their opinions about the New York Mets, their attitude, and organization. The short list includes Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Nelson Figueroa and Heath Bell. Bell felt like he was tossed away from the Mets, that he was never really given a chance. That being said, he has also gone on record saying that he gets extra fired up playing his former team. This passionate hatred to the Mets has been, at least, my perception of Heath Bell.
That was until I read this interview posted at New York Baseball Digest.
I feel like I understand Bell so much better now. Its not really that he holds a grudge against the Mets organization as that he is angry he didn't get a full opportunity to pitch here. From the way he was talking about the city, its obvious that he cares about New York. This respect comes up all over the place in the interview. His favorite place to visit is New York City. Two of the four toughest batters he has faced are Mets (Reyes and Wright). Talent he wish he had? He wish he was David Wright (seriously, its actually reall funny, go read it). He also wants to know what it would be like to hit a homer for the Mets.
The most interesting part of the interview was when he was describing the circles in his career, I'll led you read that. He also talks about returning to the Mets. He is actually very open to it and would love to return to New York. He says if he has to go in a different direction wth the Padres, New York would be where he would want to end up. Well current and futrue Mets GM's, I hope you hear that. If Bell goes on the market in free agency, he should be very courtable.
