Versatile Bonifacio has utility role down to a science

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Astute fans might recall Emilio Bonifacio's first tour of duty with the Nationals. He played the second half of the 2008 season in D.C., coming over from the Diamondbacks in exchange for reliever Jon Rauch in July and being sent to the Marlins as part of the deal that netted pitcher Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham about four months later.

What does Bonifacio remember about his time as a National on that 59-102 team?

"Not much," he laughed. "Wally and (Ryan) Zimmerman. That's about it."

Well, Mike Wallace is still serving as the Nats' clubhouse manager and Zimmerman is about to enter his 16th season with the team. Bonifacio is hoping to extend his career, too - he's in camp as a non-roster player trying to win a job as a utility man.

Over parts of 11 major league seasons, Bonifacio has done a little bit of everything, except for pitch, catch and play first base. He's manned every other infield position and played all three outfield spots. He's got a reputation as a savvy veteran who keeps his teammates loose, and hopes to get a chance to fill the role Gerardo Parra claimed on last year's World Series championship team.

"Oh, I love it. For me, it's part of our culture, our chemistry," manager Davey Martinez said. "He brings that high-spirited, good attitude. We saw it last year with Parra - how much fun he brings, how much energy he brings. He's the kind of guy that makes things happen when he plays."

For spring training, the 34-year-old Bonifacio is being pulled in a variety of directions, and as a result, his head is on a swivel. One moment, he may be working with the infielders, the next he's shagging flies with the outfielders. Bunting drills, baserunning, batting practice - all of it keeps Bonifacio in perpetual motion.

"You just kind of do everything like you're going to start the game and try to be focused," he said. "That's the main thing: Be prepared mentally. I try to be happy everywhere and have fun."

Bonifacio hasn't played in the majors since 2017, when he had a cup of coffee with the Braves. Since then, he's played in Triple-A for the Brewers and Rays organizations, waiting for another chance to return to the bigs.

The Nats came calling over the winter with an offer of a contract that would pay him $1 million in the major leagues. A chance to play for a World Series champion? Bonifacio didn't think twice about signing just as spring training opened.

"When you win a championship, and you have an opportunity to be in spring training with a team, it feels good," he said. "They made it easy for me to play here. They know I love the game and they know I want to do a really good job."

With regular season rosters expanding to 26 players, Bonifacio is in prime position to open the season as a jack-of-all-trades with the Nats. He's hitting .333 (5-for-15) in spring training after delivering a walk-off single Monday against the Marlins and playing all over the field.

Lest you think he's lugging the heaviest equipment bag in the clubhouse, Bonifacio said he actually travels pretty light. A utility role isn't new to him and he's adjusted his leather needs accordingly.

"Just two (gloves) - one for infield, one for outfield," he said.

Until a few years ago, Bonifacio had multiple gloves at his disposal. One each for second base, shortstop and third base, plus another for when he was pressed into duty in the outfield.

But even the tools of the trade created some awkward moments.

"Back in the day, I used to have three infield gloves," he said. "Then one day, I said I would carry just one. One time, I had to call time out and get a glove for a different position. Carrying just two gloves makes my life a lot easier."