Heath Bell Blasts ESPN

If you haven't read this or seen it on the San Diego Union Tribune's website, you need to.

Padres' closer Heath Bell was a tad turned off by ESPN's Baseball Tonight and wasn't afraid to voice his displeasure.

Among his rant, here was just a few things he said:

“I truly believe ESPN only cares about promoting the Red Sox and Yankees and Mets – and nobody else,” said the closer, a former Met. “That's why I like the MLB Network, because they promote everybody. I'm really turned off by ESPN and 'Baseball Tonight.' When Jake Peavy threw 8 1/3 innings on Saturday, they showed one pitch in the third inning and that was it. It's all about the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets.”

Adrian switching sides?

Good for Adrian Gonzalez. The Padres' first baseman was asked if he would play for the Team USA in the WBC if they were to call him, Adrian didn't even hesitate, “why not? I qualify for both countries.”

Team USA is looking for a replacement at first base after losing Red Sox first baseman, and Boston fan favorite, Kevin Youkilis.

Adrian wouldn't be a bad guy to call, especially a guy who is a great defensive first baseman, can spray the ball all over the field and has good power. Even with that being said, I'd be surprised if it's Adrian that gets the call, but stranger things have happened.

Red Sox cut Josh Bard

Josh Bard seems to be running into bad luck since his stint with the Padres. The former Padres' catcher was cut by the Boston Red Sox today according to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald.

This move comes as somewhat of a surprise to me, especially since Bard wasn't exactly struggling during Spring Training, hitting a torrid .429 with one home run and five RBI's in six games played. Taking Bard's place as the backup catcher to Jason Varitek will be former Padres' prospect George Kottaras, who is out of minor league options.

Red Sox get $40,000, Padres got a gift bag

The Boston Red Sox threatened to boycott their spring training game yesterday because there wasn't a $40,000 stipend, the amount the players are getting, extended to coaches, trainers and staff for their trip to China.

So, with that being said, it was only normal that people wanted to know what the Padres had gotten for their trip to Beijing, China.

Padres' reliever Heath Bell “We got a gift bag. Inside was a ball, a T-shirt, two Snickers bars, a bottle of wine imported from California, a stuffed animal and a box of tea. I must have missed the money.”

Apparently, after this was said, a Major League Baseball official called the Padres and told them that the players that made the trip could expect a "small stipend."

Anyone see the Padres complain and threaten to boycott a spring training game? I didn't think so....