Posted December 20, 200816 yr 12/19/08 12:57 PM EST Bonifacio showing off versatility Speedster could add exciting dimension to Marlins this spring By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- If you can play defense at a high level, chances are you will find your way onto the field. In many ways, the Marlins are taking that approach with versatile newcomer Emilio Bonifacio. Obtained from the Nationals as part of the Scott Olsen/Josh Willingham trade, Bonifacio is a natural second baseman, who also has experience at shortstop. Because the Marlins already have All-Star Dan Uggla at second base, the team will give Bonifacio a look at third base when Spring Training opens. The 23-year-old currently is refining his skills playing for Licey in the Dominican Winter Baseball League. Yet, most of the work he is receiving is in right field, mainly because his team is going with Anderson Hernandez (Nationals) at second base and Erick Aybar (Angels) at shortstop. At least early in Spring Training, the Marlins don't envision using Bonifacio in the outfield. That, though, could be subject to change. Alfredo Amezaga, a similar type of player as Bonifacio, is a natural middle infielder, who out of necessity has helped out in the outfield. In 2008, Amezaga appeared in 79 games in center field. Asked recently about Bonifacio seeing time in the outfield, Marlins president of baseball operations Admin Beinfest said: "I think we're OK out there, but again, we're flexible. We didn't think Alfredo would be out there three years ago, but sure enough, he's spent a lot of time out there." Improving the defense and adding more speed are high priorities for the Marlins. Bonifacio, who switch-hits, is getting some time in the leadoff spot for Licey. [Marlins 2003 note: Checking almost daily I would guess he has less than a dozen at bats anywhere in the lineup but leadoff] If Bonifacio can secure a roster spot in Spring Training, the Marlins have the potential to have three blazing runners in the lineup. He would join speedsters Cameron Maybin and Hanley Ramirez. "The guy can fly," Beinfest said of Bonifacio. "We've talked openly about a lineup that has Maybin, Bonifacio and Hanley in it. That's something that would be exciting to us, and it would bring a different dynamic that we haven't had the past few years. "We just think he's an above-average defender, so we want to take a look. He's a switch-hitter, and he does a lot of things. We think he is a plus defender anywhere you put him. He's played shortstop, and we think there is enough arm there. Is it an absolute that he is going to be a third baseman? I don't think that was our thinking, but we wanted to add the speed." In a spacious park like Dolphin Stadium, speed is a bonus. "The good defensive players find their way on the field," Beinfest said. "They can handle it. Bonifacio has got the speed, which helps especially in our ballpark where you've got to cover a lot of area." The big concern with Bonifacio is his hitting. Can he show enough offense to be a big league regular? This winter, he is getting plenty of opportunities. Through Wednesday, he had 179 at-bats in 44 games, and he was hitting .296, and his on-base percentage was .391... (there's more to the piece about others playing winter ball for those interested) http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/news/articl...sp&c_id=fla
December 20, 200816 yr you know what i think bonifacio is not 23 years old peep this video http://video.aol.com/video-detail/lidom-em...licey/872843070 he looks 27 to me..look at his hairline :confused
December 20, 200816 yr Author I'd love EB going to NOLA to get regular AB. Admin appears to have a different vision but you may get your wish.
December 20, 200816 yr I agree it all seems to indicate Beinfest is counting on Bonifacio from day 1 of the season, not sometime down the road. It will be interesting to see how the Ballclub hammers into shape this ST. I am expecting a whole new feel to this Team. I am concerned about Fredi's ability to play small ball. He just isn't a great stratergist at all. Fredi is the anti-cerebral manager.
December 20, 200816 yr Bonifacio has been playing great, but I would like him to work on taking pitchers to deep count, he tends to go after the first pitch. Defensively hes been outstanding playing SS, 2B, RF and LF in DWL. But the best ability he has is speed, turning singles into doubles, doubles into triples. I can't get enough of this guy.
December 20, 200816 yr I'd love EB going to NOLA to get regular AB. Admin appears to have a different vision but you may get your wish. Not so sure about that, 2003. Comments Admin made at the Holiday Party and the fact he has him "trying out" for that 3B slot in ST has me thinking Admin sees him in NOLA at the start of the season. At least right now....before all trades are done and the ST roster is set.
December 20, 200816 yr Author I'd love EB going to NOLA to get regular AB. Admin appears to have a different vision but you may get your wish. Not so sure about that, 2003. Comments Admin made at the Holiday Party and the fact he has him "trying out" for that 3B slot in ST has me thinking Admin sees him in NOLA at the start of the season. At least right now....before all trades are done and the ST roster is set. I was speaking to his comment about "...We've talked openly about a lineup that has Maybin, Bonifacio and Hanley in it..." not to him playing third. I've never thought anyone but Cantu (unless there's a major trade or injury or Sanchez falls flat on his face) was going to be at third base. I think most people here know where I think he winds up if his bat earns him a job as a regular. BB, do you ever remember the FO trading a player they brought to a STholder's party, as in Rober Andino? Interesting to have him there.
December 20, 200816 yr I like what I hear about him, but I don't want to see him get handed a starting spot when we've got some potential impact hitters waiting in the wings.
December 20, 200816 yr I agree it all seems to indicate Beinfest is counting on Bonifacio from day 1 of the season, not sometime down the road. It will be interesting to see how the Ballclub hammers into shape this ST. I am expecting a whole new feel to this Team. I am concerned about Fredi's ability to play small ball. He just isn't a great stratergist at all. Fredi is the anti-cerebral manager. Based on what? I find it laughable how some on this board feel they are smarter than the manager. Everyone has the right to disagree with a move that the manager makes. I guess that's just part of the game. But to call a guy that won manager of the year (sporting news), with a team with the smallest budget in the majors, that is anti-cerebral. Fredi is more than qualified to manage this team.
December 20, 200816 yr I agree it all seems to indicate Beinfest is counting on Bonifacio from day 1 of the season, not sometime down the road. It will be interesting to see how the Ballclub hammers into shape this ST. I am expecting a whole new feel to this Team. I am concerned about Fredi's ability to play small ball. He just isn't a great stratergist at all. Fredi is the anti-cerebral manager. Based on what? I find it laughable how some on this board feel they are smarter than the manager. Everyone has the right to disagree with a move that the manager makes. I guess that's just part of the game. But to call a guy that won manager of the year (sporting news), with a team with the smallest budget in the majors, that is anti-cerebral. Fredi is more than qualified to manage this team. I agree that Eddie took it a bit far. I have certainly disagreed with some of the moves Fredi made. But, if you ever listen to him talk he's a very bright (and honest, which is refreshing and fairly rare outside of Stan van Gundy) person.
December 20, 200816 yr I'm glad Bonifacio is tearing it up, and on a decent sample size too. Give him the job in triple-A and we'll go from there.
December 20, 200816 yr I watched him play and he has a clue what to do out there. His strikeouts seem to be an exaggerated problem, he appears to strikeout going after balls to smack, not by chasing crap.
December 20, 200816 yr I've got no problem with giving Bonifacio a shot in the bigs from Opening Day. I mean if were gonna have someone OPS 730 in RF, they might as well run fast and play good defense.
December 21, 200816 yr I agree it all seems to indicate Beinfest is counting on Bonifacio from day 1 of the season, not sometime down the road. It will be interesting to see how the Ballclub hammers into shape this ST. I am expecting a whole new feel to this Team. I am concerned about Fredi's ability to play small ball. He just isn't a great stratergist at all. Fredi is the anti-cerebral manager. Based on what? I find it laughable how some on this board feel they are smarter than the manager. Everyone has the right to disagree with a move that the manager makes. I guess that's just part of the game. But to call a guy that won manager of the year (sporting news), with a team with the smallest budget in the majors, that is anti-cerebral. Fredi is more than qualified to manage this team. I know I kinda went into a whole different realm. Fredi's reputation as a manager has been as a player's manager. He was never touted as a person to make many stratetegic moves. Thats ok, there isn't anything wrong with that, unless the style of manager doesn't fit your personnel... If the Marlins are gonna play small ball, there will be adjustments also required on Fredi's behalf as well. Some managers can adjust their styles according to the strength of their teams, we are yet to see that from Fredi. I wish him the best Now how does that imply I am smarter than Fredi, baseball-wise or any other way? I am not a Fredi fan, I loved Jack McKean and Jim Leland. I even liked John Boles. I didn't care for Lachemann too much. To go even further I prefer Chuck Tanner to Joe Torre as a manager, no matter how many rings Torre has on his fingers, or how many more wins he has accumulated. In summary did i post Fredi is an idiot or stupid? No I did not If you consider anti-cerebral being that than you are entirely mistaken. The definition of a cerebral manager is one that is like a chess player in the dugout, and handles baseball stratergy like a science. If you feel that is Fredi I wanna know how do you figure that in your mind. In summary with Bonifacio being brought onto the team put's in effect the shift in philosophy that Beinfest has refered to since the season ended, however run-producing will likely be more of a task for the 2009 Marlins than it was for the 2008. Marlins will have to scrape for runs and the manager will not be able to remain a passive observer in the clubhouse
December 21, 200816 yr I agree it all seems to indicate Beinfest is counting on Bonifacio from day 1 of the season, not sometime down the road. It will be interesting to see how the Ballclub hammers into shape this ST. I am expecting a whole new feel to this Team. I am concerned about Fredi's ability to play small ball. He just isn't a great stratergist at all. Fredi is the anti-cerebral manager. Based on what? I find it laughable how some on this board feel they are smarter than the manager. Everyone has the right to disagree with a move that the manager makes. I guess that's just part of the game. But to call a guy that won manager of the year (sporting news), with a team with the smallest budget in the majors, that is anti-cerebral. Fredi is more than qualified to manage this team. I know I kinda went into a whole different realm. Fredi's reputation as a manager has been as a player's manager. He was never touted as a person to make many stratetegic moves. Thats ok, there isn't anything wrong with that, unless the style of manager doesn't fit your personnel... If the Marlins are gonna play small ball, there will be adjustments also required on Fredi's behalf as well. Some managers can adjust their styles according to the strength of their teams, we are yet to see that from Fredi. I wish him the best Now how does that imply I am smarter than Fredi, baseball-wise or any other way? I am not a Fredi fan, I loved Jack McKean and Jim Leland. I even liked John Boles. I didn't care for Lachemann too much. To go even further I prefer Chuck Tanner to Joe Torre as a manager, no matter how many rings Torre has on his fingers, or how many more wins he has accumulated. In summary did i post Fredi is an idiot or stupid? No I did not If you consider anti-cerebral being that than you are entirely mistaken. The definition of a cerebral manager is one that is like a chess player in the dugout, and handles baseball stratergy like a science. If you feel that is Fredi I wanna know how do you figure that in your mind. In summary with Bonifacio being brought onto the team put's in effect the shift in philosophy that Beinfest has refered to since the season ended, however run-producing will likely be more of a task for the 2009 Marlins than it was for the 2008. Marlins will have to scrape for runs and the manager will not be able to remain a passive observer in the clubhouse I guess we just have a different defenition of anit-cerebral. Lets face it. The reason Fredi was so cautious on offense is because we were an all or nothing team. Too many power guys and not enough contact guys. That's why Beinfest and company are making the types of changes they are. If anything, small ball will make it easier because small ball is played when you have guys that make contact. The more contact the more you can hit and run, hit behind runners, squeeze and stuff like that. Either way, most managers use the same proverbial play book on offense. In my opinion, the biggest difference between most managers is how they use their bullpens. Fredi and the offense will be fine.
December 21, 200816 yr I'd love EB going to NOLA to get regular AB. Admin appears to have a different vision but you may get your wish. Not so sure about that, 2003. Comments Admin made at the Holiday Party and the fact he has him "trying out" for that 3B slot in ST has me thinking Admin sees him in NOLA at the start of the season. At least right now....before all trades are done and the ST roster is set. I was speaking to his comment about "...We've talked openly about a lineup that has Maybin, Bonifacio and Hanley in it..." not to him playing third. I've never thought anyone but Cantu (unless there's a major trade or injury or Sanchez falls flat on his face) was going to be at third base. I think most people here know where I think he winds up if his bat earns him a job as a regular. BB, do you ever remember the FO trading a player they brought to a STholder's party, as in Rober Andino? Interesting to have him there. LOL I was refering to him being at NOLA. I think he opens the season there. Barring injuries, of course. Brought to a Holiday Party? I kinda get the feeling that is an open invitation to the players. "...IF you have the time and are in the area...." I look at it this way....Andino lives here. He's trying for a spot on the roster. Why not do a little PR work? (And I gotta say, he was probably the friendliest. I know he grabbed my hand to shake it at least 3 different times as I was walking by.) The other players that were there are locals. I don't think anybody came from out of town, coaches/players/FO types. Maybe Rich, not sure where he calls home. There were some locals that were noticably absent. 9er, for one. But even so, in the midst of the Holiday Season, when families travel to be with families, I'm always grateful to those that do take the time and make the effort. But a direct answer to your question (if you meant traded in the same off season) would be no. Not that I can remember off the top of my head. I could go back through tapes and pix to look, but.... You know I'm too lazy to do that as a chore. Wait til the middle of January or so when I start getting a little meloncholy(sp) for baseball. Between the times my NFL team gets knocked out the play offs, our Saturday morning Jupiter ST ticket buying excursion, and FanFest. Then it's not a chore.
December 21, 200816 yr Author I'd love EB going to NOLA to get regular AB. Admin appears to have a different vision but you may get your wish. Not so sure about that, 2003. Comments Admin made at the Holiday Party and the fact he has him "trying out" for that 3B slot in ST has me thinking Admin sees him in NOLA at the start of the season. At least right now....before all trades are done and the ST roster is set. I was speaking to his comment about "...We've talked openly about a lineup that has Maybin, Bonifacio and Hanley in it..." not to him playing third. I've never thought anyone but Cantu (unless there's a major trade or injury or Sanchez falls flat on his face) was going to be at third base. I think most people here know where I think he winds up if his bat earns him a job as a regular. BB, do you ever remember the FO trading a player they brought to a STholder's party, as in Rober Andino? Interesting to have him there. LOL I was refering to him being at NOLA. I think he opens the season there. Barring injuries, of course. Brought to a Holiday Party? I kinda get the feeling that is an open invitation to the players. "...IF you have the time and are in the area...." I look at it this way....Andino lives here. He's trying for a spot on the roster. Why not do a little PR work? (And I gotta say, he was probably the friendliest. I know he grabbed my hand to shake it at least 3 different times as I was walking by.) The other players that were there are locals. I don't think anybody came from out of town, coaches/players/FO types. Maybe Rich, not sure where he calls home. There were some locals that were noticably absent. 9er, for one. But even so, in the midst of the Holiday Season, when families travel to be with families, I'm always grateful to those that do take the time and make the effort. But a direct answer to your question (if you meant traded in the same off season) would be no. Not that I can remember off the top of my head. I could go back through tapes and pix to look, but.... You know I'm too lazy to do that as a chore. Wait til the middle of January or so when I start getting a little meloncholy(sp) for baseball. Between the times my NFL team gets knocked out the play offs, our Saturday morning Jupiter ST ticket buying excursion, and FanFest. Then it's not a chore. I remember the first year Olsen was showcased at a party, I think it was the last tent party outside of DS, he was literally attached at the hip to Beinfest (and it was also a time when he was being mentioned in trade rumors - with the Rays I think but it was years ago) - and I remember saying to myself "this kid isn't going anywhere..." regardless of what local sports writers were promising at the time. Since then I've kind of kept a mental list of who was there and were they still in the organization come opening day. Of course I could have missed someone or be just plain wrong, but I think to date (since 2003) it's been a good clue.
December 21, 200816 yr I remember the first year Olsen was showcased at a party, I think it was the last tent party outside of DS, he was literally attached at the hip to Beinfest (and it was also a time when he was being mentioned in trade rumors - with the Rays I think but it was years ago) - and I remember saying to myself "this kid isn't going anywhere..." regardless of what local sports writers were promising at the time. Since then I've kind of kept a mental list of who was there and were they still in the organization come opening day. Of course I could have missed someone or be just plain wrong, but I think to date (since 2003) it's been a good clue. Andino 25th man, EB playing SS/3B at NOLA.
December 21, 200816 yr I'd love EB going to NOLA to get regular AB. Admin appears to have a different vision but you may get your wish. Not so sure about that, 2003. Comments Admin made at the Holiday Party and the fact he has him "trying out" for that 3B slot in ST has me thinking Admin sees him in NOLA at the start of the season. At least right now....before all trades are done and the ST roster is set. I was speaking to his comment about "...We've talked openly about a lineup that has Maybin, Bonifacio and Hanley in it..." not to him playing third. I've never thought anyone but Cantu (unless there's a major trade or injury or Sanchez falls flat on his face) was going to be at third base. I think most people here know where I think he winds up if his bat earns him a job as a regular. BB, do you ever remember the FO trading a player they brought to a STholder's party, as in Rober Andino? Interesting to have him there. LOL I was refering to him being at NOLA. I think he opens the season there. Barring injuries, of course. Brought to a Holiday Party? I kinda get the feeling that is an open invitation to the players. "...IF you have the time and are in the area...." I look at it this way....Andino lives here. He's trying for a spot on the roster. Why not do a little PR work? (And I gotta say, he was probably the friendliest. I know he grabbed my hand to shake it at least 3 different times as I was walking by.) The other players that were there are locals. I don't think anybody came from out of town, coaches/players/FO types. Maybe Rich, not sure where he calls home. There were some locals that were noticably absent. 9er, for one. But even so, in the midst of the Holiday Season, when families travel to be with families, I'm always grateful to those that do take the time and make the effort. But a direct answer to your question (if you meant traded in the same off season) would be no. Not that I can remember off the top of my head. I could go back through tapes and pix to look, but.... You know I'm too lazy to do that as a chore. Wait til the middle of January or so when I start getting a little meloncholy(sp) for baseball. Between the times my NFL team gets knocked out the play offs, our Saturday morning Jupiter ST ticket buying excursion, and FanFest. Then it's not a chore. Rich is from Broward County.
December 21, 200816 yr I agree it all seems to indicate Beinfest is counting on Bonifacio from day 1 of the season, not sometime down the road. It will be interesting to see how the Ballclub hammers into shape this ST. I am expecting a whole new feel to this Team. I am concerned about Fredi's ability to play small ball. He just isn't a great stratergist at all. Fredi is the anti-cerebral manager. Based on what? I find it laughable how some on this board feel they are smarter than the manager. Everyone has the right to disagree with a move that the manager makes. I guess that's just part of the game. But to call a guy that won manager of the year (sporting news), with a team with the smallest budget in the majors, that is anti-cerebral. Fredi is more than qualified to manage this team. I know I kinda went into a whole different realm. Fredi's reputation as a manager has been as a player's manager. He was never touted as a person to make many stratetegic moves. Thats ok, there isn't anything wrong with that, unless the style of manager doesn't fit your personnel... If the Marlins are gonna play small ball, there will be adjustments also required on Fredi's behalf as well. Some managers can adjust their styles according to the strength of their teams, we are yet to see that from Fredi. I wish him the best Now how does that imply I am smarter than Fredi, baseball-wise or any other way? I am not a Fredi fan, I loved Jack McKean and Jim Leland. I even liked John Boles. I didn't care for Lachemann too much. To go even further I prefer Chuck Tanner to Joe Torre as a manager, no matter how many rings Torre has on his fingers, or how many more wins he has accumulated. In summary did i post Fredi is an idiot or stupid? No I did not If you consider anti-cerebral being that than you are entirely mistaken. The definition of a cerebral manager is one that is like a chess player in the dugout, and handles baseball stratergy like a science. If you feel that is Fredi I wanna know how do you figure that in your mind. In summary with Bonifacio being brought onto the team put's in effect the shift in philosophy that Beinfest has refered to since the season ended, however run-producing will likely be more of a task for the 2009 Marlins than it was for the 2008. Marlins will have to scrape for runs and the manager will not be able to remain a passive observer in the clubhouse I guess we just have a different defenition of anit-cerebral. Lets face it. The reason Fredi was so cautious on offense is because we were an all or nothing team. Too many power guys and not enough contact guys. That's why Beinfest and company are making the types of changes they are. If anything, small ball will make it easier because small ball is played when you have guys that make contact. The more contact the more you can hit and run, hit behind runners, squeeze and stuff like that. Either way, most managers use the same proverbial play book on offense. In my opinion, the biggest difference between most managers is how they use their bullpens. Fredi and the offense will be fine. I guess that is pretty much my point ...Fredi does the proverbial playbook nothing creative or very analytical...Some managers are just pure thinkers. They envisions what pitching change they will do in 9th or their opponent, while in the 3rd innings or even before the lineup is written for the game. I think the way a manager rotates their lineups, pinchhits and uses their bullpen can be very basic while some do it based on info compiled days, weeks month before the game. Fredi is not that type
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