Royals' manager Bell will resign at end of season

Minneapolis, MI (Sports Network) - Kansas City Royals manager Buddy Bell announced Wednesday that he will step down at the end of the season.
The announcement comes at a surprising time, considering the Royals markedly improved play of late. The club had winning records in both June and July, the first time the Royals have had consecutive winning months since 2003.
The 55-year-old Bell is in his second full season as manager. He took over on May 31, 2005 after Tony Pena resigned. Health concerns may have played a major role in Bell's decision, however. The former manager of the Tigers and Rockies was diagnosed as having a cancerous growth behind his left tonsil, and missed the final 10 games of last season to have surgery.
Bell, a five-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner in 18 years in the majors as a third baseman with the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, and Houston Astros, is the son of former big-league outfielder Gus Bell. His career managerial record entering play Wednesday stood at 497-690. His record with the Royals is 152-228.