Heading Out Again, Heath Bell, Brad Holt, Kiko Calero... and Wilmer Flores

Heading Out Again:

I leave tomorrow on an assignment for "Junior Sports" magazine, the nation's longest running baseball magazine for kids, parents, and coaches.

Going to camps for the Tigers, Yankees, Bluejays, and Astros... with interviews with Justin Verlander, Aaron Hill, Jorge Posada, A.J. Burnett, and Cliff Lee.

Will recap each night Q&A session.

Heath Bell:


San Diego Padres—Closer Heath Bell. Others: Luke Gregerson - Veteran reliever Heath Bell emerged as the team’s closer after Hoffman’s depature and did an excellent job saving games for a team that rarely won. He has a firm grip on the closer’s role going into 2010, both because of his talent and a lack of serious replacements. Luke Gregerson is a good young pitcher who performed well last season, and the team could possibly increase his role in the bullpen during 2010. Wynne Pelzer is an intriguing prospect from South Carolina who Baseball America speculates might eventually become the team’s closer (he is currently trying to develop as a starter).- link

Brad Holt:

Born 10/13/1986 (23 years old) - RHP, NYM - A powerful righthander who slipped to the Mets in the supplemental first round of the 2008 draft, Brad Holt brings a big fastball from a big frame. A college pitcher whose shown good composure, he could factor into the shallow Mets rotation as early as 2010.- link

Kiko Calero:


According to Newsday's Ken Davidoff, the Mets are interested in reliever Kiko Calero but are only willing to offer him a minor league contract. The Mets, along with baseball's other 29 teams, have real concerns about Calero's recent run of injuries. The 35-year-old unloaded an impressive 1.95 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 69/30 K/BB ratio in 60 innings for the Marlins last season, but he may have to settle for a minors deal and spring camp invite. - link

Wilmer Flores:

86. Wilmer Flores SS (Mets) 1.825 - Wilmer is an example of the more you see of a player the less impressed you become. No one doubts that he has a good bat, but that bat will not be playing shortstop. As his lower half thickens third base or the outfield will be the best position. He has yet to show the power everyone raves about, but he is still one of the younger players at the level he plays at. - link