Bell Rings Up Big Numbers But Loses Out On All-Star Bid

In bold, expanding letters, Jay Bell’s T-shirt proclaims, “See it - Center It - SMOKE IT.”

He’s talking hitting, not tobacco, and no shortstop in the history of a franchise that’s had some good ones ever did it better.

With more than a half-season to go, Bell already has erased the Kansas City Royals single-season record for home runs by a shortstop with 13. With 55 RBIs, he’s five shy of the shortstop record shared by Fred Patek and U.L. Washington.

Bell is probably the finest shortstop Kansas City has had.

He’s also definitely the fourth-place finisher - just as he predicted he would be - in shortstop balloting for the A.L. All-Star team.

“I certainly won’t get voted in. There’s no question,” Bell said two weeks ago, without a trace of bitterness.

He was right. And he wasn’t among the reserves chosen Wednesday.

“Certainly, my numbers are as good as the other shortstops around the league,” Bell said. “But that doesn’t always play a factor.”

Right again.

His teammates were equally realistic.

“There are injustices in the All-Star voting every year, and this is just the one for 1997,” said outfielder Bip Roberts. “If it was up to people who’ve watched Jay play every day, who know he’s playing a Gold Glove defense, hitting home runs and driving in runs, he’d be the starter.”

Seattle’s Alex Rodriguez, with 10 homers and 38 RBIs through Monday’s games, was proclaimed No. 1 vote-getter and starting shortstop.

No. 2 was Cleveland’s Omar Vizquel, with two homers and 27 RBIs. The Yankees’ Derek Jeter, with four homers and 36 RBIs, was No. 3.

No. 4 is Bell.

Defense? His five errors were the fewest of any starting shortstop in the league.

Since coming from Pittsburgh this year in one of the best deals the Royals have made, the eight-year N.L. veteran also has become a quiet, highly respected team leader.

“He’s like a coach on the field,” said Jose Rosado, a 22-year-old pitcher. “If I get in trouble. I don’t need (pitching coach) Bruce Kison to come out and talk to me.

“Jay can come out and talk to me like a pitching coach. No shortstop in this league can be better than him.”

That kind of talk makes Bell feel good.

“The main thing I wanted to do when I came here was help this team win,” Bell said. “I’ve done that to some extent.

“But there is always room for improvement. We try to strive for perfection in life and in baseball, but nobody is perfect.”