By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Miami, FL

Miami Marlins relief pitcher Heath Bell criticized manager Ozzie Guillen, during a radio interview.

Bell, who started the season as the Marlins closer before an awful start led to him being replaced, suggested Guillen was not truthful with him.

Bell is in his first season with the Marlins after signing a three-year, $27 million contract. He has an ERA of 5.19 and has converted 19 of 26 save opportunities this season.

"It's hard to respect a guy that doesn't tell you the truth or doesn't tell you face-to-face," Bell said on "The Dan Sileo Show" on WQAM in Miami. "There's probably reasons why."

Bell has a 3.12 ERA since being replaced as the team's closer but says Guillen has not given him a chance to reclaim the closer role.

"I stunk in April, plain and simple," Bell said. "I said I stunk, I worked hard, I busted my butt. I think I've had a tremendous second half. I'm not closing -- I know that. But I just kept my mouth shut because I want to regain what I had, and I feel like I can't do that."

Bell went on to imply that Guillen was not always up front with players.

"It's just one of those things that -- what you see is what you get," Bell said. "I'm not going to be two-faced. I'm not going to sneak around your back and say this and that.

"We need a guy that leads us that everybody respects and looks up to. That's what we need."

 

 

Marlins Reliever Heath Bell Says Guillen is Hard to Respect