CLEVELAND — Buddy Bell, fired earlier this season as manager of the Colorado Rockies, was hired today as a special minor league consultant by the Cleveland Indians, where he started his playing career.

        Bell will assist in the development of Cleveland's minor league players, coaches and managers. He also will scout National League players.

        The former Reds third baseman and Moeller High product was fired April 26 after the Rockies opened the season 6-16 — the worst start in their history.

        He also managed the Detroit Tigers from 1996-98, and has a 345-462 career record.

        Bell served as the Indians' infield coach in 1994-95 under manager Mike Hargrove. Current manager Charlie Manuel, who is in the final year of his contract, was the hitting coach on that staff.

        Bell began his playing career with the Indians in 1972 and stayed with the club until '78, when he was traded to the Texas Rangers for third baseman Toby Harrah.

        Bell also played with the Reds and Houston Astros before retiring in 1989.

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