Sun, Sep 07, 2008

Arizona Diamondbacks

D-backs acquire pitcher Rauch from Nationals

ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.22.2008
The Arizona Diamondbacks solidified their shaky bullpen today, acquiring closer Jon Rauch from the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Emilio Bonifacio, an all-star with the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders.
Rauch will join the D-backs' depleted bullpen alongside Brandon Lyon, who blew a save in Sunday’s loss to the Dodgers. It is unclear if Rauch will take Lyon’s job as closer, or serve as the D-backs’ set-up man.
"Jon Rauch is a proven late-game reliever who we control through 2010," Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes said in a news release. "We are pleased to add him as we attempt to defend our division title."
Rauch, 29, went 4-2 with a 2.98 ERA (16 ER in 48.1 IP) and 17 saves in 48 games out of the bullpen for the Nationals this season. His 6.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio is the fourth-best in the Majors.
At 6 feet 11 inches, Rauch is the tallest pitcher in Major League history and trumped. His new teammate, Randy Johnson, is an inch shorter.
Bonifacio, 23, appeared in eight games this season for the D-backs, batting .167 (2-for-12) with three runs scored, a double and two RBI.
He played in 85 games for the Sidewinders before being recalled on July 4, batting .302 (111-for-367) with 49 runs scored, 18 doubles, five triples, a home run, 29 RBI and 17 stolen bases. Bonifacio was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star team and was named to the World Team in the Major League Baseball Futures Game.
— Compiled from a new release