As reports continue to abound regarding the Mets' managerial search, many of the names reported have been familiar ones, including Joe Girardi and Buck Showalter among others.
And with other names like Dusty Baker floating around as well, it appears that previous MLB managerial experience could go a long way in determining who the next Mets skipper will be.
But an interesting name popped up on Wednesday, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Mike Bell is expected to receiver an in-person interview with the team.
Bell, the younger brother of Reds manager David Bell, currently works with the Arizona Diamondbacks as the team's vice president of player development. Rosenthal noted that Bell has previously interviewed for the Rangers and Orioles when they had manager openings last year.
According to the D-backs front office directory, Bell has been with the club for 13 seasons, three of which in his current role. Prior to that, Bell spent six seasons as the club's director of player development, overseeing the D-backs minor-league affiliates. A D-backs affiliate captured their league championship eight times under Bell's watch.
Bell has three seasons under his belt as a minor league manager, compiling a 131-146 record with short-season Yakima (2007) and Single-A Visalia (2008-09).
The 44-year-old spent almost all of his playing career at the minor league level, though he reached the majors with the Reds in 2000. In 19 games, he hit .222 with two home runs and four RBI.
Bell comes from a noted baseball family. His grandfather, Gus, was a former player, while his father, Buddy, was a five-time All-Star and a big-league manager for nine seasons. His brother David just completed his first season as the Reds manager, leading his club to a 75-87 record.