BASEBALL: DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Celebrating Might Have Had a Price

Why did the Toronto Blue Jays’ Derek Bell get hit with a pitch twice in three innings during a 7-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers?

Bell, an excitable rookie, was clearly the most exuberant of the Blue Jays after Saturday’s 3-1 victory over the Tigers that clinched the title in the American League East. Although he didn’t play during the game, Bell remained on the field after most of his teammates left for the clubhouse. He darted to the outfield, waving a towel above his head and whooping it up for the fans, then slid into home with an exaggerated move.

Bell said that he was simply trying to get the crowd into the spirit of things, and didn’t mind that it might have cost him a couple of bruises.

“It didn’t bother me,” he said. “I get on base anyway I can.”

Scott Aldred hit Bell on the hip with his first pitch of the game and hit Bell on the leg during the third inning.

“I don’t have any hard feelings toward Derek Bell,” Aldred said. “I was wild as can be. I almost hit a couple of other guys as well.”

Felipe Alou is expected to sign a three-year contract worth nearly $1 million today to continue as manager of the Montreal Expos.

Alou was hired May 22 to replace Tom Runnells in his first major league managerial assignment. Under Alou, the Expos had a 70-55 record and finished second in the National League East.