advertisement

Sox add Bonifacio to the fold

The first national predictions for the upcoming season are in.

The Sporting News 2015 Yearbook has the White Sox returning to the playoffs for the first time in seven years and beating the Angels in the wild-card game before falling to the Tigers in the American League Division Series.

The publication also has the Cubs winning the World Series, so the early signs point to a season of promise on both sides of town.

Focusing on the Sox, there is no question they can be dangerous after adding Jeff Samardzija, David Robertson, Adam LaRoche, Melky Cabrera and Zach Duke to a talented returning core headed by Jose Abreu, Chris Sale, Adam Eaton and Jose Quintana.

On Thursday, the White Sox upgraded their bench by signing free-agent infielder / outfielder Emilio Bonifacio to a one-year, $3 million contract. The Sox also hold a $4 million option for 2016 with a $1 million buyout.

To clear a spot for Bonifacio on the 40-man roster, outfielder Jordan Danks was designated for assignment.

Bonifacio, 29, played in a combined 110 games with the Cubs and Braves last season, batting .259 with 17 doubles, 4 triples, 3 home runs, 24 RBI and 26 stolen bases. The switch hitter can play second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions.

"Emilio brings an excellent mix of versatility, speed and experience to our club, which will provide (manager) Robin (Ventura) with additional flexibility with the roster this year," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. "We expect Emilio's ability to switch hit, help at multiple positions and steal a base to be very beneficial to us."

Bonifacio is also a more proven option at second base if Micah Johnson or Carlos Sanchez fail to win the starting job in spring training.

In eight major-league seasons with the Diamondbacks, Nationals, Marlins, Blue Jays, Royals, Cubs and Braves, Bonifacio is a .262 hitter with 92 doubles, 32 triples, 13 homers, 155 RBI and 164 stolen bases over 722 games.

Danks is moving on after playing in 180 games over three seasons with the Sox, batting .227 with 8 home runs and 26 RBI.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.