FANS WANT TO KNOW: WHAT ABOUT EMILIO BONIFACIO?

Good question.  He's an outfielder, 3rd baseman, 2nd baseman and could be pretty valuable to the Yankees down the road.  Plus, you package him with Jake Arrieta and now we have something.   But for everyone that likes Emilio Bonifacio... here's what we know:

According to MLB Daily Dish:

"The Cubs are expected to trade Emilio Bonifacio by the end of the day, according to major league sources with knowledge of the situation. The Giants, Mariners, Reds and Orioles are among the teams with interest in the 29-year old, but it is unclear where he will be traded."

It appears the Yankees were never truly involved in talks with the Cubs about Emilio.  That could change of course. Cashman could offer a package that would "wow" Theo Epstein. I just don't see it though.  Plus, there was chatter that Bonifacio may go to the Royals:

"Bonifacio, 29, appeared headed to the Royals or Giants, according to scouting sources. The Royals are battling for a playoff berth in the American League Central and need a spark in their lineup with a speedster like Bonifacio in the spacious outfield of Kauffman Stadium."

That's from the Chiacgo Tribune.

And the Yankees? They don't appear to be in it. But to all you fans, a really smart choice!

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HOW THE YANKEES STACK UP: SECOND BASE

If you haven't see our series yet on how the Yankees stack up in the American League East, be sure and check out HOW THE YANKEES STACK UP: CATCHER and HOW THE YANKEES STACK UP: FIRST BASE.  Now, let's move onto second base...

Second Base

Going into 2013 one thing is certain for our Yankees:  Robinson Cano is the most feared batter in the lineup.  Since 2009, the smooth-swinging second baseman has batted .314 while averaging 29 HR, 102 RBI, and 104 runs scored.  He has also won two Gold Gloves, including one in 2012.  He will man the heart of the order and it’s a pretty sure bet that how “Robbie” goes, so go the Yankees.

Toronto Blue Jays:  Emilio Bonifacio, a 27 year-old speedster (stole 30 bases in 64 games for the Marlins) comes to the Blue Jays via trade and will occupy the second base spot for them.  He hit .271 in four years in Miami and averaged 23 steals. In the field his fielding percentage is a pedestrian .960 at second base.  He committed three errors in 15 games there last season.

Baltimore Orioles:  Brian Roberts will once again attempt to be the Orioles starting second baseman.  The problem is that Roberts can’t stay healthy.  Over the past three seasons, he has managed to play in a total of 115 games – an average of 38 games per year.  As a contingency, the team has signed 28 year-old Alexi Casilla who hit .241 with 21 stolen bases for the Twins last year.

Tampa Bay Rays: Ben Zobrist (.270/20 hr/ 88 Runs) will remain the second baseman for the Rays. He gives them a solid bat and average glove at that position.

Boston Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia is perhaps the Red Sox best player.  In seven seasons with the team, he has a Rookie of the Year award, MVP award, and a career batting average of .303.  His spirit and grit is the heart of the club.  Like the Yankees second baseman, Pedroia is the barometer for his team.

How I see Second Base in the AL East:

1.    Yankees
2.    Red Sox
3.    Tampa
4.    Toronto
5.    Baltimore

Have a different opinion? Comment.

 
--Steve Skinner, BYB Guest Writer
Twitter: @oswegos1




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