Bell bowing out at season’s end

Buddy Bell chose family over baseball on Wednesday, resigning as manager of the last-place Kansas City Royals effective at the end of the season.

An emotional Bell, who will turn 56 on Aug. 27, announced the decision before Kansas City’s game against the Minnesota Twins. He will join the Royals’ front office in 2008 as a senior adviser to general manager Dayton Moore.

“I had to make a choice between managing and my family,” Bell said, “and to me that’s a no-brainer.”

Bell’s nephew, Marine Lance Cpl. Tim Bell Jr., was killed by a roadside bomb in August 2005 in Iraq, and Bell said health concerns also played a part in his decision. Last September, he had surgery to remove a cancerous growth in his throat.

M’s in Tokyo?

The Boston Red Sox, with ace pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, could start the 2008 season at the Tokyo Dome, the No. 2 official of the players’ association said. The Los Angeles Angels or Oakland Athletics are the most likely opponent, with the Seattle Mariners also a possibility, several people familiar with the discussions said.

Sosa takes back seat

Texas Rangers slugger Sammy Sosa was told in a closed-door meeting that his playing time will be cut.

“They have young kids they want to see,” Sosa said. “Once in a while, I’ll be playing. I don’t have a problem with it.”

Clearing the bases

Curt Schilling is set to make his first start for Boston in more than six weeks in Seattle on Sunday after recovering from tendinitis in his right shoulder. … Jason Giambi could be back with the New York Yankees within a week. … Kerry Wood‘s long path back to the majors will reach Wrigley Field this week when he’s activated by the Chicago Cubs, probably on Friday. … Pedro Martinez‘s first rehabilitation start was rained out, so he will throw a simulated game of 45 pitches today. … Florida Marlins right-hander Anibal Sanchez wants big league pay while he’s on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, and the players association has filed a grievance on his behalf.