Fantasy Baseball: Can Emilio Bonifacio Continue Terror on the Bases?

Emilio Bonifacio has 11 stolen bases in 10 games since June 29th. He has been getting the green light under Jack McKeon, picking up 12 of his 16 stolen bases since the Marlins' managerial change. He attempted just seven stolen bases in nearly three months prior to McKeon’s arrival, and has attempted 13 stolen bases in 18 games since.

Bonifacio is no stranger to picking up steals, even though his career-high is just 21. He hit that mark in just 127 games in 2009. Last year he stole 12 bases in 73 games. He swiped 40 bags in 2004 and 55 games in 2005 for Single-A South Bend. He stole 61 bases in 2006 for Single-A+ Lancaster and 41 for Double-A Mobile in 2007. He had 21 combined steals in 93 games for Triple-A Tucson and Triple-A Columbus in 2008.

The key will be the amount of playing time Bonifacio gets. He has played in 18 of 19 games since McKeon took over, after playing in 63 of the Marlins’ first 72 games. With the success the Marlins are having (11-8 under McKeon vs. 32-40 under Edwin Rodriguez), it wouldn't be surprising to see Bonifacio’s name penciled in the lineup frequently after the All-Star break.

Bonifacio remains a valuable fantasy option as long as he’s producing the way he that is. He has third base, shortstop and outfield eligibility in fantasy leagues. It’s nice to be able to move him around in your fantasy lineup as needed and have a good opportunity to add to your stolen base total.

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