Northwest Arkansas' Bonifacio Blossoming At Young Age

STAFF PHOTO ANTHONY REYES 
Jorge Bonifacio, NWA Naturals outfielder, fields the ball during practice March 31 at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.
STAFF PHOTO ANTHONY REYES Jorge Bonifacio, NWA Naturals outfielder, fields the ball during practice March 31 at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

— It's hard for Kansas City Royals assistant general manager J.J. Picollo to believe Jorge Bonifacio is only 20 years old.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound outfielder ascended through the Royals' Minor League system quickly for someone in their teens, being slowed only briefly last year because of a broken hamate bone. However, he still earned a late promotion to Northwest Arkansas and showed well, hitting .301 with two home runs and 19 RBIs in only 25 games.

Profile

Jorge Bonifacio

Position: Outfielder

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 195

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

Notable: Signed as a non-drafted free agent Dec. 9, 2009. … Brother of Major Leaguer Emilio Bonifacio. … Ranked as the Royals’ No. 4 prospect by Baseball America and No. 90 in all of Minor League Baseball. … Made his Naturals debut on July 30, 2013 and started with a three-game hitting streak. … Named Kane County Player of the Year and Midwest League All-Star in 2012. … Named Burlington Royals Player of the Year in 2011.

At A Glance

Northwest Arkansas Naturals Homestand

At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale

On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1

Series Schedule

Today: vs. Frisco, 6:05 p.m.

Friday: vs. Frisco, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday: vs. Frisco, 6:05 p.m.

Sunday: vs. Midland, 2:05 p.m.

Monday: vs. Midland, 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday: vs. Midland, 7:05 p.m.

This Week’s Promotions

Today: Postgame fireworks and magnet of the 2014 Naturals schedule will be given away to the first 2,000 fans.

Friday: Postgame fireworks and a super hero theme at the park. Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite super hero.

Saturday: The first 2,000 fans will receive an Arvest Ballpark calendar.

Sunday: All kids 12-and-under eat for free and they can run the bases following the game. There will also be an appearance by Dora The Explorer.

Monday: Hot dogs are $1 and Ozarks Electric Cooperative customers may receive buy-one, get-one-free tickets.

Tuesday: Enjoy two-for-one deals on Royals Kid Zone wristbands, scorecards, programs and peanuts. Groups of 20 or more may reserve tickets for $4 per seat.

Ticket Packages

• Super Premium A: $12

• Premium: $10

• Reserved: $8

• Grass Berm: $7

• Super Premium Family: $12

• Premium Family: $10

Online: www.nwanaturals.com

"He's a natural hitter with a good sense of timing," Picollo said. "He tends to use the opposite side rather than pulling everything and that's a plus. That's a reason he's been able to ascend through the lower levels in the minors relatively quickly. As he matures as a hitter, he'll be able to turn on the ball more and hit some home runs."

Naturals manager Vance Wilson also gushed about Bonifacio's abilities, since he had the young prospect most of last season at High-A Wilmington.

"He's a legitimate middle of the order impact bat in the Major Leagues," Wilson said. "It's pretty impressive to watch."

Baseball America rates him among the top 100 prospects (No. 90) in all of Minor League baseball. The publication also has him as the Royals' No. 4 prospect, behind pitchers Kyle Zimmer and Yordano Ventura and shortstop Raul A. Mondesi.

Ventura is already in the Royals' rotation, while Zimmer will also begin with the Naturals next month. Mondesi is beginning the season at Wilimington.

Picollo compares Bonifacio to the Royals' Billy Butler, who is a career .300 hitter in his eighth season in the Major Leagues.

"I'm not saying he will be that type of hitter, but he has the same ability to hit a closer's fastball, 97-98 mph," Picollo said. "Velocity doesn't affect him.

"Some days it's hard to believe he's going on 21 years old. He carries himself so well."

Bonifacio, who was born in the Dominican Republic, has been in the United States little more than four years. He's leaned on his older brother, Emilio, an eight-year Major League veteran and currently playing in the outfield for the Chicago Cubs.

"We talk every day," Bonifacio said. "He's helped me a lot."

In addition to honing his baseball skills, Bonifacio has also learned a new language. He's only gotten comfortable with speaking the language over the past year.

"My brother and my teammates have helped with that," Bonifacio said. "But they also had some teaching us in Arizona. That's helped a lot."

Wilson echoed Picollo's sentiments about Bonifacio's work ethic and general make-up.

"It's not only his ability to play the game but how smart he is, his baseball IQ," Wilson said. "He's just got incredible intangibles."

Wilson talked about when Bonifacio missed six weeks last season with a broken hamate bone in his hand, he wasn't just soaking up the time off.

"Any time I tell a kid you're going to be off or miss time I tell them you don't even have to be at practice," Wilson said. "I tell them 'Go up to my office or call your family,' especially young kids. They get very emotional. As soon as I said that to Boni, he said 'Nope, I need to go run sprints to stay in shape.'

"My mouth dropped. It's just one of those things, he's a true baseball player. His make-up is incredible."

Both Wilson and Picollo agreed the only thing Bonifacio is currently lacking is physical maturity.

"Boni likes to hit .300, but we'd like for him to hit .300 with 20 homers and 50 doubles, which he has the ability to do," Wilson said. "He's going to be our No. 3 hole hitter and we're glad to have him."

When the power comes, Bonfiacio's call-up won't likely be far away.

Sports on 04/10/2014

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