According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the Minnesota Twins are “extensively scouting” San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell for a trade.

In the wake of the injury to reliever Joe Nathan, the Minnesota Twins have been trade candidates for a closer. Names that have recently come up include, Indians closer Kerry Wood, Reds closer Francisco Cordero and free agent John Smoltz.

Bell, 32, was 6-4 with a 2.71 ERA with 42 saves with the Padres in 2009. You can see Bell’s contract history and statistics here.