Marlins, Bell agree to deal

By JUAN C. RODRIGUEZ, Sun Sentinel

December 4, 2011 at 12:59AM

The Marlins late Thursday thumbed their noses at all the skeptics who believe their free agent dalliances were smokescreens.

A league source confirmed the Marlins have agreed to a three-year deal with Heath Bell, considered one of the top closers available this offseason. Bell is guaranteed $9 million a year, and the contract also includes a vesting option.

It might not become official for a few days. Bell still needs to come to South Florida for a physical. Unlike some of the other free agents the Marlins have courted, Bell did not visit South Florida before signing.

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JUAN C. RODRIGUEZ, Sun Sentinel