Padres closer Heath Bell expects to be with the team next season.
Despite wild speculation that he would be traded, Bell remained with San Diego through Sunday's non-waiver deadline and received a standing ovation when he entered a game that night.
"I really want to stay in San Diego," Bell said.
"I want to be a Padre. And the ball is in my court."
Although his main goal is to negotiate a three-year contract with the Padres, Bell said his fall-back position is to accept arbitration this fall if the Padres offer it after he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.
Bell Plans To Pitch For Padres In 2012