February 12, 2003
BASEBALL: Bell
I don't really have a problem with the Mets signing Jay Bell, who steps into the John Valentin role; if anything, signing Bell is an indication that Ty Wigginton will really get a shot at the 3B job, since Bell is only a barely credible alternative. Signing a broken-down veteran backup is usually a sign that you've stopped shopping for a first-stringer.