"This trade brings us a quality, young player, who has the potential to develop into a solid leadoff hitter and outstanding defensive second baseman." (Jim Bowden, via Nationals dot com, 7/22/2008)
Farewell, Big Jon. Welcome, Emilio Bonifacio.
Gut reaction: Good* deal, fine, but too many vowels, we'll never get the spelling right.
Score one point for Jimbo's job security (H/T to Rizzo). Middle infield is one of those big empty spots in that magical pipeline Stan's been talking up. Now, the heir apparent to Orlando Hudson in AZ is off to Columbus for a little more seasoning, then penciled in as the leadoff hitter and second baseman of the future here in Washington. Sounds good.
Short term, yeah, Rauch will be sorely missed. Thanks for the memories, you big lug.
*Although, you have to wonder if it was the best deal -- why not wait another week and then pull the trigger?
(AP Photo by David Zalubowski)
Oh, how I disagree with this keeping Bowden safe. If you ask me this looks like Rizzo's first act as GM. Let me tell you how I know this. Because the evidence is pretty conclusive:
Bonifacio is not from the Reds, and has not already begun the process of being a disappointment.
Posted by: Ben | July 23, 2008 at 10:53 AM