Heath Bell and Carlos Pena Placed On Waivers

Of the several players placed on trade waivers today, the more interesting names are Padres closer Heath Bell and Cubs first basemen Carlos Pena, writes FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. 

It was last month that we believed Padres closer was getting traded to the Texas Rangers, but instead it was reliever Mike Adams. Heath Bell is a complicated case for the Padres. Do they trade him now and get something for him? Remember, there were reports that he would accept arbitration from the Padres in the off-season. If they do choose to trade him, there's still a possibility the closer could return to San Diego. The 33-year-old Bell is posting a 2.60 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 52 innings.

The other intriguing name on the waiver wire is Cubs first basemen Carlos Pena. Many were surprised Cubs GM Jim Hendry didn't move the veteran slugger by the trade deadline, but Pena could now find himself packing his bags soon. Pena, 33, is hitting .222/.342/.455 with 23 homers in 480 plate appearances this season.

Earlier today, the Minnesota Twins placed designated hitter Jim Thome and outfielder/designated hitter Jason Kubel on waivers as well.