Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone was upset around the Miami Marlins when they traded away Emilio Bonifacio. The Toronto Blue Jays were pumped about it until shortly into the season and both he and the team itself seemed to go downhill. Just when we were all thinking that the speedy infielder might be on the last legs of his peak potential, the Kansas City Royals traded for him and boom, he came alive.
Bonifacio has more stolen bases for the Royals and almost half as many RBI in only 28 games versus 94 games spent with the Blue Jays. Run production, activity on the bases and batting average are all greater than they were all season with the Jays. What can we say? It wasn’t as good of a fit as everyone hoped in Toronto and it has been a great fit for everyone since he moved to Kansas City.
Chances are the coming alive has a lot more to do with the fact that he now plays for a contending team. However far the Royals might be from seriously threatening for that second wildcard spot, it is a great deal closer than the Blue Jays are. A lot of players come alive when they are suddenly forced into a position where their new team is fighting for a playoff spot. Bonifacio is clearly one of those. Hopefully for he and the Royals it will be a good reason for the two to continue their new relationship.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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