Rauch traded to Arizona

By Dave Utnik

Published: July 22, 2008

The Washington Nationals have found their second baseman of the future — and he could wind up batting at the top of the order as a rookie next spring.
Emilio Bonifacio, a switch-hitting 23-year-old who is widely considered one of the fastest players in professional baseball, was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday in exchange for closer Jon Rauch.
“This trade brings us a quality, young player who has the potential to develop into a solid leadoff hitter and outstanding defensive second baseman,” Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden said.
The Diamondbacks, who lead the National League West, shored up a shaky bullpen by trading for Rauch, who replaced injured Chad Cordero as Washington’s closer and was 4-2 with 17 saves and a 2.98 ERA in 48 games.
To help preserve the division lead, Arizona parted with Bonifacio, who will join the Nationals’ Triple A squad in Columbus. He was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star Team after batting .302 with the Diamondbacks’ top minor league affiliate this season.
A year ago, he led the Double-A Southern League with 41 stolen bases and the Nationals believe he’s capable of becoming a game-changing leadoff hitter.
“We anticipate he’ll fit nicely into our long-term plan of drafting, acquiring and developing a solid nucleus that will lead our club into the future,” Bowden said.
The Nationals now have five potential starters in their early 20s, including third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, center fielder Lastings Milledge, left fielder Elijah Dukes and catcher Jesus Flores, and their middle infield could be together for several years with Tuesday’s signing of all-star shortstop Cristian Guzman.
Guzman, who is batting .310 and leads the National League with 129 hits, agreed to a two-year extension through 2010.
Bonifacio has that type of ability, too. As a minor leaguer, he’s been a four-time all-star and has 280 stolen bases in seven seasons. Prior to the season, he was rated by Baseball America Magazine as Arizona’s No. 6 prospect.
Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2001, Bonifacio is a career .284 hitter and Baseball America voted him the best defensive infielder in the Diamondbacks’ system.
He is also the reigning Winter League Player of the Year — an award that encompasses players from the Dominican, Venezuelan and Mexican leagues — after hitting .300 with Licey in the Dominican League.
“He is a high energy player with a lot of potential,” Bowden said.