"Heath Bell was "touched" Sunday by the standing ovation he received when he entered the game in the ninth inning.

Hours earlier, the trading deadline passed with Bell remaining a Padre. The 22,516 at Petco Park Sunday let it be known that they were happy to see Bell still wearing the Padres' camouflage uniform.

"That meant a lot to me," said Bell, who, in a discussion with wife Nicole later Sunday night came to a conclusion.

"I really want to stay in San Diego," Bell said Monday afternoon before the Padres' 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers – and the complete-game effort of left-hander Clayton Kershaw -- before 22,417 at Petco Park.

"I want to be a Padre. And the ball is in my court."

Although his main goal is to negotiate a three-year contract with the Padres, Bell said his fall-back position is to accept arbitration this fall if the Padres offer it after he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.

The Padres can retain Bell if they offer him arbitration for the 2012 season and the right-hander accepts. Were Bell to refuse arbitration, the Padres would receive two first-round draft picks if Bell signed with another club.

Given their thirst for draft picks to rebuild their farm system, the Padres would appear to be in a good position. But Bell, 33, could be holding the ace.

"If I don't have a multi-year deal and they offer me arbitration, I will accept arbitration," Bell said. "Nicole and I talked about all the scenarios last night. There were more pros than cons.

"There is no downside to me accepting arbitration and the family staying in San Diego for at least another year. My kids love it here. My family is happy here. And I'm in a position where I can make some decisions right now."

Padres CEO Jeff Moorad applauded Bell's desire to remain a Padre, although Moorad said the club's top offer will probably be a two-year contract with an option for a third year."