MLB Rumors: Baltimore Orioles interested in Emilio Bonifacio

I wonder what the Baltimore Orioles will find in Emilio Bonifacio‘s physical to back out of a deal for him.

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that they are interested in the speedy utility player:

"He is owed $3.5 million in 2014 and likely will be dealt to a team that would pick up most, if not all, of his salary. Bonifacio is the same type of player — a better hitter, but not quite as strong defensively — as Alexi Casilla, whom the Orioles signed to a minor league deal this offseason.”"

The Kansas City Royals simply did not have room for Bonifacio anymore, but his speed will attract interest from multiple teams. For his part, Bonifacio will probably just be happy to land with a new team and cease his adventures as a journeyman the last couple seasons.

Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs explains the value he brings to teams:

"Really though, the value here is on the base paths. Over the last four years, Bonifacio has 110 steals against 22 times being caught; over the same span, he’s tied for seventh in BsR, despite having a thousand or more fewer plate appearances than those on the top of the list thanks to a stint in the minors in 2010 and injuries that shortened his 2012. He’s one of just 19 players since 2010 to steal 100 bases, but only three have been caught fewer times."

Before they landed Justin Turner, it seems like Bonifacio would have been a logical target for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now the Orioles, among other teams, will be vying for his services.