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Marlins’ Ozzie Guillen says he has no respect for Heath Bell

Manager Ozzie Guillen of the Miami Marlins is at odds with struggling closer Heath Bell.
(Scott Cunningham / Getty Images)
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When Heath Bell signed a three-year, $27-million deal with the Miami Marlins in the off-season, he probably wasn’t expecting this. His own manager, Ozzie Guillen, says he has no respect for the struggling relief pitcher.

Of course, Bell did bring it upon himself.

During a radio interview Monday with Miami station WQAM, Bell said the Marlins need a manager “that everybody respects and looks up to.”

On Tuesday, Bell said that he did not intend to disrespect Guillen.

“I’m not retracting anything, but I never meant to criticize Ozzie,” Bell said. “Everything gets twisted.”

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Yeah, I hate when the media twist a statement like we need a manager “that everybody respects and looks up to” and turns it into the person saying we need a manager “that everybody respects and looks up to.” I mean, what’s so bad about that? All he said was he didn’t respect Guillen or look up to him! How could Ozzie be so sensitive?

Guillen said Bell is pointing fingers because he tries to blame everyone else for his struggles this season.

“It was my turn this week,” Guillen said. “Last week it was the pitching coach. The week before it was his teammates. Every week it’s something. That’s why I don’t respect him as a person. You have to have principles.”

Bell is 3-5 with a 5.11 ERA this season and has seven blown saves in 26 opportunities.

“I’ve got people calling me names every time he’s on the mound,” Guillen said. “In Spanish and English.”

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