Jose Bonilla
| AB | 1164 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .233 |
| OBP | .32 |
| SLG | .34 |
| HR | 20 |
- Full name Jose Rafael Bonilla
- Born 08/04/1988 in Santiago, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 188 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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If Salvador Perez is the safer bet as a catching prospect, Bonilla is more of a high-risk, high-reward type. Bonilla's first-half play earned him more regular work in low Class A last summer, but he seemed to press as the year went along. By the end of the season, he was chasing pitches well out of the zone and had become one of the easier outs in the Midwest League. He was in over his head, but his plus bat speed and arm strength still give him more upside than Perez. He has to learn the strike zone, but Bonilla's swing is solid and he projects to have average power. Behind the plate, he has all the tools, with soft hands and good feet, but he suffers concentration lapses when balls clank off his glove. He erased 34 percent of basetealers in 2009. Bonilla could flame out at Double-A, but he also has the potential to be an everyday big league catcher if he harnesses his considerable tools. He's likely to head back to Burlington, where he'll share time behind the plate with Wil Myers. -
While Salvador Perez is lanky for a catcher, Bonilla has the more traditional squat, muscular build. His present tools may grade out a tick above Perez's, but Perez's better defense and long-term potential give him the edge on this list. Of the two, Bonilla has a better arm, as it grades as a 60 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He threw out 43 percent of basestealers in 2008. He showed improvement receiving the ball, but he still needs to become consistent behind the plate. Using a compact swing, Bonilla has shown some power and the ability to use the entire field. He runs very well for a catcher and actually has enough athleticism to potentially play second base or outfield, though the Royals have no intention of moving him. He's a long ways away but has all the tools to become a big league everyday catcher. With Perez and Sean McCauley ahead of him, Bonilla likely will move up to Idaho Falls in 2009.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Bonilla's offensive numbers stood out, as he hit .357/.405/.625 with five homers in 34 games with a compact swing and a willingness to use the entire field. But he drew more raves from AZL managers for his defense. His arm grades as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, and he enhances it with a quick release. He topped the league by throwing out 43 percent of basestealers. He also blocks balls well, and Davis credited him for the way he handled the pitching staff and for making a lot of defensive progress. "He's receiving the baseball a lot better than he was last year," Davis said. "From one year to the next, he's made huge strides."
