Reliever Bell agrees to deal with Padres

Bell, a right-handed relief pitcher, will be paid $4 million next season under the new contract, the team said on its Web site.

Bell didn't allow an earned run until his 17th appearance in 2009 and ended up with a 6-4 record, 2.71 earned run average and an NL-best 42 saves. His 23 saves in the first half of the season earned Bell an All-Star team berth.

He owns career marks of a 19-19 record, 3.40 ERA and 44 saves over six seasons, three with the New York Mets and three with the Padres.

Bell was used primarily in a set-up role for Trevor Hoffman before 2009. Hoffman amassed 552 saves over 16 seasons as the Padres' closer before leaving for Milwaukee.

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