Chico Harlan talked to scouts about Emilio Bonifacio:
Now Bonifacio. Sure, he tore up the Nats in the opening series this year. He looked like a video game version of Lou Brock. But those I talked to about Bonifacio were unimpressed, and felt certain he’d regress — quickly — into the light-hitting player Washington saw in 2008. There is no doubt that, during spurts, Bonifacio can take over a game with speed like few others. Remember that week from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7 last year? Bonifacio came in, batted .375, slugged .594. He had five multi-hit games in a span of six.
But after that? Bonifacio’s average fell like a barrel going over Niagara. Very quickly, the league saw his weakness. As a right-hander, he steps away from the plate — “into the bucket,” as they say — making him susceptible to outside pitches. Give him something down the middle or inside, and Bonifacio can handle it. But place the ball away, and he’s limited.
This year, those who’ve seen Bonifacio notice the same major flaw. He has not improved. Bonifacio’s tear against the Nats was enabled by Washington’s pitchers, who knew the scouting report, but missed time and time again when trying to locate pitches. They came inside, and Bonifacio, as a right-hander, made them pay.
Florida visits Washington starting tonight. The Nationals pitchers get a second chance to exploit Emilio’s weakness.
Posted by David Pinto at 10:56 am | Players | Permalink | No Comments
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