Bell Hopes to Find a Spot in Indians’ Solid Infield

After three seasons of minor league baseball, Jay Bell looks longingly at the Cleveland Indians infield and hopes fate will find a place for him there.

The 21-year-old Bell, considered one of best hitting prospects in the Cleveland farm system, seems destined instead for more seasoning in the minors.

He can play third base, shortstop or second base, but the Indians have secure veterans at each position--Brook Jacoby at third, Julio Franco at short and Tony Bernazard at second.

“I have three great players in front of me, and it’s difficult to break into the line-up. If they send me down, I won’t be happy, but I’ll work. If they bring me up during the season, fine,” Bell said.

Last season, while playing shortstop or second base at Class AA Waterbury, Bell hit .277, including seven home runs and 74 runs batted in.

“He’s a good hitter, one of the best young hitters in the game right now,” Indian Manager Pat Corrales said. “One of these days, he’s going to hit 15 home runs in the big leagues. He’s a gap hitter with power.”

The 6-foot-1, 180 pound Bell has been plagued so far in his career by too many errors in the field. He worked on his fielding extensively this past winter at the Florida Instructional League.

Said Corrales: “He’s made a tremendous amount of improvement from a year ago, mostly through his own hard work, dedication and desire. He has more confience in himself. He wants the ball hit to him now. That’s how a good infielder is, and that’s the one intangible he has this year that he didn’t have last year.”

Bell spent the final week of last season with the Indians, getting five hits in 14 at-bats.

His first at bat came in Minnesota against the Twins’ verteran Bert Blyleven. In 1985, the Indians traded Blyleven to Minnesota for four players, including Bell. On the first pitch, Bell hit a home run. The homer was the 47th off Blyleven last season, setting a major league record for home runs allowed.

“It proved to me I could play in the big leagues. It gave me confidence,” Bell said.