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.

Tickets for Cinergy finale on sale Saturday Reds-Cardinals preview Reds 2, Brewers 1 Reds box, runs Less pressure, more winning helps Reitsma Reds Notebook: It's Miller time Brewers manager admires Boone's play Buddy Bell back with Indians Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 2 Dodgers 4, Expos 3 Mets 3, Padres 1

Bengals cross fingers, bet on Brewer
Bengals Notebook: Schobel, Manuel debut at practice
Proposal to ease transfer rules draws boos
Record year for track stars
High School Track Notebook
High School Softball Notebook
New Harrison gym may be Tristate's largest
Today's high school schedules
Cincinnati high school highlights
Cincinnati high school results
Notre Dame wins 7th straight tennis regional
Beechwood's Rassell wins boys singles crown
N.Ky. high school results
NKU loses NCAA regional baseball opener
Coming up this week

• Return to Reds front page...