Former Rangers top draft pick Mike Bell dies at 46 after cancer battle

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Sad news from the Minnesota Twins, who've announced that their bench coach, Mike Bell, has died of cancer. Bell was only 46.

Bell was hired by manager Rocco Baldelli prior to last season. Bell is the son of former Major League third-baseman and manager Buddy Bell. His brother, David, is the manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

The Rangers selected Bell with the 30th overall pick in the 1993 MLB Draft. He played five seasons in the club's minor league system before moving on to the Mets. He made his major league debut with the Reds in 2000.

Bell is survived by a wife and three children.

The Twins say at the request of the Bell family, they will continue with tonight's Grapefruit League game versus the Atlanta Braves.

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