The “Serie Del Caribe” has brought to Miami many familiar faces such as Andrelton Simmons, Jonathan Schoop, Christian Bethancourt, and many others. However, none more familiar than Emilio Bonifacio who played with the Marlins from 2009 to 2012 when the team opened the doors to the then known as Marlins Park and Robinson Canó who made the Fish suffer while playing for the Mets during the 2019, 2020 and 2022 seasons.
While representing the Dominican Republic during the tournament, we had the opportunity to grab their opinions regarding Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Luis Arraez and the newly acquired Vidal Bruján who had participation in the Dominican Winter League during 43 games slashing a .262 average with 18 RBI’s.
“I live here in Miami” expressed Bonifacio. “When I have the chance, I come to the games as I am a baseball passionate. I feel very happy to see what Sandy Alcantara and Arraez have been doing, recently I had the chance to practice hitting with him before heading to the Dominican Republic and honestly, I am very happy with what is happening with the Marlins.” continued Bonifacio.
This year Emilio Bonifacio played with the Tigres del Licey who battled the Estrellas Orientales during the league’s finals with them, Vidal Bruján who prepped up with the Estrellas in the winter in line to report to Jupiter for Spring Training. “I pray to God for his continued health, and I think Vidal should not change anything from his game as he showed during the Round Robin in the winter league. It’s the same game anywhere that it is played. He should remain aggressive especially now that pitchers have limited pick off throws to first base since he is a fast runner” said Bonifacio regarding Vidal Brujan’s style of play.
When it comes to Canó he had an even closer look at the new Marlins infielder as he also played for the Estrellas and got the chance to spend more time with him. When asked about the young Dominican players within the Marlins organization he responded; “The Marlins count with a lot of young talent including Sandy, Eury and players like Arraez they also added Vidal Bruján who is a player who moves well, knows how to bunt and can also play infield and outfield. So, they have been strengthening the team each year and I know they also have a very good young starting rotation.”
Marlins fans are sure looking forward to seeing the continued success of their young star Eury Perez, hope to see Sandy Alcantara bounce back soon from Tommy John surgery and are eager to see what Vidal Bruján will bring to the table. It will be a fun exciting 2024 season per the testimonies of both Bonifacio and Canó two credible voices with broad experience in the MLB and baseball in general.