Bell Apparently Headed for Reds; Teams Won’t Talk

A trade that would send Texas Ranger third baseman Buddy Bell to the Cincinnati Reds was apparently approved Thursday, but both clubs refused to confirm the transaction amid reports of a snag.

Bell said he was late for Texas’ Thursday night game at Detroit because he had been in Cincinnati, where he approved in principle a contract with the Reds.

“As far as I’m concerned, the contract situation with the Reds was taken care of in 15 minutes this morning,” Bell said. “I don’t know what the hang-up was . . . unless it was players.”

Reds outfielder Duane Walker is said to be one of the players involved.