Pirates Trade Rumors Emilio Bonifacio Nice Fit

Jun 12, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A team trainer tends to Chicago Cubs center fielder Emilio Bonifacio (64) as manager Rick Renteria (R) looks on after Bonifacio suffered an apparent injury while batting during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates have inquired on the recently hot again Emilio Bonifacio.  The Cubs swift of foot-do-everything-super-utility-player has hit .400 with four doubles and a homer since coming off the disabled list  (pic above)

Bonie is a switch hitter that typically bats leadoff and has swiped 152 bases over his career.  

The Royals picked up Bonifacio from the Blue Jays last summer as they tried to make a run at the post season.  In 42 games, Bonifacio hit .285/.352/.348 for the Royals with 16 stolen bases.  In order to save three million bucks, the Royals let him go in February.

The one thing that Bonifacio provides is the ability to crush southpaws.  Big time–check out this line in 76 plate appearances against lefties this season:  .408/.435/.59.  Over his career the numbers stand up as well–the career triple slash is impressive for the 29-year old–.292/.339/.376.

The Pirates would be on the hook for under a million dollars before Bonnie becomes a free agent over the winter.  He can play every infield position except first base (shortstop is sketchy) along with every outfield spot.

Joel Sherman tweeted moments ago that the Cubs feel like the Reds, Orioles, Royals (again?) and Mariners have inquired.  Chicago held Bonnie out of yesterday’s late inning loss to the Rockies in ten innings at Wrigley Field.

Skipper Rick Renteria said it was ‘prudent to hold off and see how it shakes out.’

"“It’s not in my hands,” Bonifacio said. “I’m just coming to the field tomorrow and being a part of the Cubs. There’s nothing I can do about it. Just wait.”"

A healthy Bonnie would be a marginal help for the Bucs.  Late inning defensive improvement, stolen base threat and the ability to pinch hit against situational left handers.  Also, he won’t be an expensive option for the ball club.  Especially since the struggles against lefties with Starling Marte out of action.

You might remember Bonifacio as the player that the Bucs simply couldn’t get out during the month of April.  Yeh!  That guy, now it all makes sense, right?