Rob Bell (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        WINTER PARK, Fla. — The company Rob Bell keeps legitimizes the hopes the Reds have for him.

        Bell's unofficial tutor is Pete Harnisch, who has amassed a wealth of knowledge through 12 years in the major leagues. Harnisch's 110-100 career record shows he hasn't wasted that time. So he wants Bell to make the most of his.

        When they play catch before workouts, Harnisch asks Bell to work on throwing his curveball more effectively. As a fellow right-hander, Harnisch counsels Bell about his approach to hitters.

        Harnisch thinks Bell, who's beginning his second year in the majors, is worth the attention.

        “He's not far off,” Harnisch said. “We all know he has the ability and the stuff to win in the major leagues. It's not a big project to be taking on, trust me. But there are definite areas where I feel I can help. Obviously, I'm more than willing to help him. I'd like to see him succeed as much as possible. For him and for us.”

Bell and pitching coach Don Gullett. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        Bell, who allowed two hits in three scoreless innings Wednesday in the Reds' 3-1 exhibition victory over Rollins College, finished 7-8 with a 5.00 ERA in 26 starts as a rookie last year. That season was an education. Now he's ready for graduate courses from the likes of Harnisch.

        “I feel like I'm in an even better learning situation this year,” Bell said. “Last year, I didn't know what to expect — how hitters would react, how the team would react. This year, that stuff's out of the way. I can focus a little more on the task at hand and how to get guys out consistently.”

        Though Bell hasn't clinched a spot in the rotation, his 2000 season gives him an edge. His quiet self-assurance doesn't hurt, either.

        “Just watching him, he's walking around and pitching like a big-leaguer,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “I think that year of experience is really going to help him.”

        After acquiring Bell with left-hander Denny Neagle and outfielder Michael Tucker from Atlanta in the Nov.10, 1998, Bret Boone trade, the Reds figured he eventually would settle into the rotation. Only 24, Bell has arrived in Cincinnati on schedule. To keep progress ing, he knows he must cut down on the following:

        • Walks. Bell averaged only 2.6 per nine innings in the minors, but 4.7 with the Reds (73 in 140 3/4 innings).

        The route to improvement, said Harnisch, is simple and direct.

        “If Robbie throws Strike One a little more often than he did last year, he's going to be fine,” Harnisch said. “He needs just a little more positive attitude.”

        “Walking guys was a fluke thing,” said Bell, who allowed none against Rollins. “I'm not sure if I was looking to pick on the corners or what.”

        • Home runs. Bell yielded 32 homers last year, tied for sixth-most in the league. His average of 2.1 homers per nine innings almost matched that of the human launching pad, Houston's Jose Lima (2.2).

        Bell has worked on refining his two-seam fastball, a sinking delivery designed to prevent long drives.

        “That's going to help me a lot,” Bell said, “along with becoming more comfortable with my changeup so I can throw it in a jam.”

        Bell escaped one trouble spot in the second inning against Rollins, when he responded to a situation of one out, runners on second and third, by coaxing a comebacker and recording his lone strikeout.

        Though Bell was facing Division II college hitters who weren't nearly as formidable as Barry Bonds or Mark McGwire, at least he didn't lapse. His long-range outlook is just as determined.

        “I want to be a No.1 starter someday, whether it's today or the next 15 years,” Bell said. “I want to be a go-to guy. That's a good pressure to have. Everybody wants to be an Opening Day starter. Everybody wants to win 20 games. But there are a lot of small things leading up to that.”

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