BELL TOILS FOR MLB STANDOUT WHO WILL LEAD C.V. INTO PLAYOFFS FOCUSED ON MAJORS.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

LA CRESCENTA - Trevor Bell has the type of conversations with his coach that typically are reserved for alumni in college or early in their minor-league careers.

As a former minor-leaguer, Crescenta Valley High of La Crescenta baseball coach Phil Torres offers advice on what to expect and how to prepare for life in the minor leagues. With his high school players looking to further their baseball careers, Torres usually focuses on generating interest from colleges.

But Bell never has had a problem getting colleges to take notice. He was receiving letters from schools interested in him by the time he was in the eighth grade.

Thing is, Bell always has had his sights set elsewhere. For the Crescenta Valley junior, becoming a major-league baseball player is a goal on which he centers his life. Indications that he is on the right path continued last week when Bell was invited to participate in this summer's AFLAC All-American Classic in Maryland featuring 36 of the nation's top incoming seniors.

``I've never had a player so driven and focused on playing professionally,'' Torres said. ``When we sit down and talk, that's what we talk about. We talk almost every week about what he's going to do to continue to get ready to play pro ball.''

Bell can't remember a time he didn't want to be a baseball player, claiming he had a bat in his hand as soon as he could walk.

``It's all I've ever wanted and nothing's going to stop me,'' Bell said.

``You've always got to be working hard. Knowing that's what got me this far, I can't let up now.''

Blessed with talent to match his desire, Bell was known nationally before he played his first high school game. Baseball America named him the country's best player for his age as a 14-year-old. The next summer, he was a rare underclassman showcasing his skills among the nation's elite incoming seniors at the Area Code Games.

Bell earned Pacific League co-MVP honors as a freshman, but that wasn't enough to keep the Falcons from being in awe of what he does these days.

Bell, who moved to shortstop this year after spending the past two seasons in the outfield when he doesn't pitch, is batting .470 with eight home runs and 30 RBI.

``He's swinging the bat so much better,'' Torres said. ``He's so disciplined. ... Trevor's on fire right now.''

Even after going hitless in Friday's regular-season finale, Bell enters the playoffs with nine hits in the past five games.

He considers hitting his strength, but the right-hander's pitching was just as valuable in helping Crescenta Valley clinch its first outright league title since 1999. Bell pitched a three-hitter with nine strikeouts Friday against second-place Arcadia. He improved to 4-4, but has a 1.56 ERA and 94 strikeouts and seven walks in 63 innings. He also has three saves.

No longer being the youngster on the team - Bell has two freshmen and two sophomores joining him within the top five spots of the batting order - made it clear more would be expected of him this year. Bell gladly obliged after spending much of last year sidelined with an arm injury that intensified his desire to contribute in any way possible. He said he has enjoyed the added pressure.

``That comes natural to me,'' Bell said. ``I don't hear anything out there. The fans or the other team or the scouts or anything, I just block it all out. I'm at home out here. I feel like this is where I belong.''

Heather Gripp, [phone]

heather.gripp(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Crescenta Valley shortstop/pitcher Trevor Bell will participate in a summer showcase for elite players.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer