Listening to his press conference now, it sounds like he had an epiphany when he was diagnosed with cancer and realized if he wanted the chance to see his family and do things outside of baseball, now was the time. Apparently he has known from early this spring that he would not manage next year.

He is moving back to Cincinnati, but will accept a job with the Royals front office.

Best of luck to you Buddy. You weren't much of a manager, but you always seemed to be a stand up guy.

Wow. Now with Buddy out there is going to be some lucky (yes I said lucky) manager come in and guide these young but progressive Royals back on the map. Good luck Buddy.

The intermittent noise you hear is Rob Neyer high-fiving random strangers. Actually, Rob's probably far too jaded to be more than mildly relieved at this point. Still, virtually anybody has to be an upgrade on Buddy.

What would make you say that?

Anyone from Moore's days with the Braves that might be a candidate?

Man, the next thing you know the Royals are going to be all competitive again.

WAG based on absolutely nothing that will make me look really good if it comes to fruition:

Terry Pendleton.

Still, virtually anybody has to be an upgrade on Buddy.

Buddy was a big upgrade over Tony Muser (though Muser actually had a better winning percentage)... Is John Wathan still alive?

Tony Pena had a few years there between Muser and Bell, which inspired the best piece of baseball poetry since "Tinker to Evans to Chance."

Pas bu krepal!

Anyone from Moore's days with the Braves that might be a candidate?

julio franco.

Good for Buddy, while I don't think he was the greatest manager I am glad he gets to go out with class.

Somewhere in the distance....the sounds of Rob and Rany rejoicing can be heard.

Seemed like a terrific guy, not a great manager.

It would be nice to see him get a ring as a bench coach of something.

This is kind of odd following the surprise retirement of his longtime friend Mike Hargrove. Growing up in Cleveland and later living in Cincinnati, I remember Bell as one of those guys you'd never hear a negative word about. Sure people may criticize his managerial decisions and whatnot, but he has always been well regarded by those who got to know him. I hope all goes well for him. Congrats on a great career.

I've always liked him as a human being from "The Umpire Strikes Back" where he came off as an incredibly nice person. Not the best manager, but given how good he was as a player and how long he lasted, it's a crime he never made it to October.

Terry Pendleton has to be a huge favorite.

At least I remembered my password so I could change my username.

Did word ever come out on what was behind Hargrove's decision?