PHILADELPHIA -- Free-agent third basemen David Bell visited the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday and said he hopes to make a decision about his future soon.

Bell and his wife, Kristi, flew into Philadelphia on Monday night and had dinner with Phillies officials. The team has said it's very interested in trying to sign Bell this offseason.

''It's nice to be here,'' Bell said Tuesday. ''It was good to see the city and meet with the organization. This is a great opportunity.''

Bell helped the San Francisco Giants reach the World Series last season, hitting .261 with 20 homers and 73 RBI. He said he is still considering a return to the Giants.

Bell and his wife were given a tour of the construction site for the Phillies' new ballpark, and a virtual presentation of the stadium that will open in 2004.

After the tour, Bell sat down with team officials, including general manager Ed Wade and manager Larry Bowa.

''It was a good meeting,'' Wade said. ''We're hoping to come to a successful conclusion.''

Bell is seeking a contract worth about $5 million a year and said he hopes to make a decision soon.

''I'd like to get this thing settled,'' he said.

Bell also noted that he knows Bowa well. Bell spent the 1999-2001 seasons with the Seattle Mariners, where Bowa was a coach.

''(Bowa) was my infield coach, so I know him well,'' Bell said. ''He was so intense -- I can relate to Larry.''