Bonifacio has memorable Opening Day for Marlins
Bonifacio had one of the best Opening Days ever for a former member of the Missoula Osprey, going 4-for-5 with an inside-the-park home run, four runs scored, 2 RBIs and three stolen bases as the Marlins opened the season on Monday with a 12-6 win over the Washington Nationals in Miami.
Bonifacio, who started at third base and will likely see a lot of time there, hit a fly ball deep to center field in the bottom of the fourth inning, which Nats center fielder Lastings Milledge dove for, but could not catch. Bonifacio raced around the bases for what would be a two-run, inside-the-park home run.
It was his first major-league roundtripper, and the first inside-the-park home run on Opening Day since Carl Yazstremski hit one for Boston against Detroit in 1968.
The 34,323 fans at Dolphins Stadium were on their feet, and his teammates had to get Bonifacio to take a curtain call. Not a bad start for a player who made his debut with his third major league club.
"We think the kid can play," team president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said of Bonifacio in an article on Marlins.com. "Again, it's one game, and I don't want to blow it out of proportion. He had a great game. What a great start. We can see what he can do on the bases and energize this team in a lot of ways. We think he's a good player. He's still developing."
The 2003 member of the Missoula Osprey is among eight former Osprey players who opened 2009 on a major-league roster. That list includes a pair of Arizona Diamondbacks - pitcher Tony Pena (2002) and catcher Miguel Montero (2002-03).
Pena pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the D-Backs in their 9-8 opening win over the Colorado Rockies, striking out two while picking up the win out of the bullpen. Montero did not play on Monday.
Other former Osprey who are on Major League Baseball rosters as of Opening Day:
Lyle Overbay (1999) had a double and 2 RBIs for the Toronto Blue Jays in a 12-5 rout of Detroit on Monday. Overbay has battled injuries the past few seasons, but seems to be healthy once again.
Duaner Sanchez (1999) was released by the New York Mets, but signed on with the San Diego Padres during Spring Training and made the squad. He will pitch in their bullpen.
Jorge De La Rosa (1999) made the Colorado Rockies' starting rotation, and will likely be the team's No. 5 starter. His first start will be on Saturday at Coors Field against the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Scott Hairston (2001) will see time in the outfield for the San Diego Padres, but did not get the start on Monday in a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jose Valverde (2000) is once again the closer for the Houston Astros. Coming off of back-to-back 40-save seasons, the righty did not pitch in the opener for the Astros, a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
One other former Osprey who played in the major leagues in 2008 is currently on the disabled list. Right-handed pitcher Dustin Nippert (2002) is on the 15-day disabled list for the Texas Rangers, and is likely to start the 2009 season in the minors.
Currently, there are five former Osprey with major-league experience who are playing at the Triple-A level. They include left-handed pitcher Greg Smith (2005) and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez (2002), who are currently with the Colorado Rockies' Triple-A affililate in Colorado Springs.
Infielder Andy Green (2000) is slated to go to the New York Mets Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo. Former Osprey catcher Wilkin Castillo (2004) will start the season at Louisville in the Cincinnati Reds' organization. Rounding out the list is JD Closser (1999), who may play in the Los Angeles Dodgers' organization in Albuquerque.
The 2009 version of the Missoula Osprey will open their season on June 23 with the first of a three-game series at Helena. The Osprey open their home schedule against the same Brewers on Friday, June 26.