The Chicago White Sox have added to their busy offseason and signed a utility player to help them out defensively. On Sunday, Major League Baseball lost a former executive for both the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Indians.
Emilio Bonifacio has agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox worth $4 million, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi. The 29-year-old is a switch-hitter and has played nearly every position throughout his career, with the exception of first base, pitcher and catcher. He spent 2014 with the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves and slashed .259/.305/.345 with 47 runs scored, 24 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.
Chicago added Melky Cabrera back in December to round off their outfield, but they were also concerned with adding another defensive option for depth. Bonifacio will provide such depth in both the outfield and infield, but right now it's unclear where he'll be used. It's possible he'll play a lot of second base depending on how the competition goes between Micah Johnson and Carlos Sanchez during spring training. It was also reported earlier in the offseason that the team was listening to offers for shortstop Alexei Ramirez, so if he's traded before Opening Day then Bonifacio can see a lot of time there.
Bonifacio joins Cabrera, Adam LaRoche, Zach Duke, David Robertson and Jeff Samardzija as Chicago's offseason acquisitions.
While the offseason goes on, baseball lost former executive Hank Peters on Sunday in Boca Raton, Florida. The 90-year-old passed away due to complications from a recent stroke. Peters began working in professional baseball in 1946 with the St. Louis Browns and worked his way up to becoming the general manager of the Baltimore Orioles from 1975-1987 and president/GM of the Cleveland Indians from 1987-1992.
Peters is credited with building the foundation for the Indians teams that won division titles from 1995-1999. Cleveland had a 40-year playoff drought until 1995, when they reached the World Series and lost to the Atlanta Braves. He also helped the Orioles to World Series appearances in 1979, which they lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and 1983, which they won against the Philadelphia Phillies.
"Hank has been the most influential individual in my professional career," said Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations, John Hart, who succeeded Peters as GM in Cleveland, via this Baltimore Sun article. "I've never known a man with more integrity, energy or passion. This is a tough time, a sad time."
