March 10--GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Emilio Bonifacio has been a man on the move for years now, both on and off the field.
The White Sox signed the 29-year-old Bonifacio in January to a one-year contract with a 2016 team option because of his useful ability to play all over the infield and outfield. It is his sixth team over the last four years and eighth overall, and while he hasn't minded bouncing from city to city, he also wouldn't mind if he found some staying power in Chicago.
"(Moving) is a little difficult for my family, but for me, when somebody asks for you, it's because they need you, and they think I can help to win," Bonifacio said. "Hopefully yes (I can stay in Chicago), but it's not something I can really control."
Bonifacio, a switch hitter who has a career .262 batting average with 342 runs scored and 164 stolen bases over eight seasons, said he had a couple of interested teams this offseason. He picked the Sox and their deal worth at least $4 million because he thought there was a solid opportunity for playing time and the additions of players such as Melky Cabrera and Adam LaRoche made the team competitive.
The Sox think Bonifacio's versatility will make them more competitive.
"(He has) energy, and he's a smart player," manager Robin Ventura said. "You see him doing the small things -- getting guys over, running the bases. He does a lot of things well. Having that kind of versatility, there's not many people who can do that."
Bonifacio has been working mostly in the outfield this spring, but he takes ground balls whenever he gets a chance to stay sharp should his infield services be needed. He has played in a utility role for much of his career, so he knows how to prepare himself.
"At the beginning it was really hard for me," Bonifacio said. "But now I know how to prepare my mind to be available. You have to be really prepared every single day because sometimes when you play one position everything comes like a routine, but when you have to be available to play short, second, right field, it's harder."
Gordon Beckham is preparing himself for a similar role in the infield, though the Sox have said he could compete to start at second base. He played at second, third base and shortstop in the first five spring games and said he has been comfortable.
"I don't see it as a challenge," Beckham said. "I enjoy moving around and playing different positions."
