Minor League Contracts: Payano, Hollins, and Bonifacio

While Royals’ fans continue to wait for the announcement of a move that truly energizes the fanbase, Dayton Moore’s minor league contract train continues to chug along the tracks.  The team recently signed LHP-Nelson Payano, OF-Jorge Bonifacio, and OF-Damon Hollins to minor league deals.

It’s Christmas Eve, it’s my birthday, and I’m hanging out with my family so I’ll keep this brief.

LHP-Nelson Payano (27) signed with the Atlanta Braves as a NDFA out of the Dominican Republic on February 25th, 2000.  He spent 6 seasons in the minor leagues, primarily with the Atlanta Braves but did spend part of the 2008 season in the Seattle Mariners organization.  Payano spent the 2009 season pitching in Japan and had good results, but he has never pitched above Double-A stateside.  He has a career 4.13 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 10.1 SO/9, and 1.74 SO/BB in 246.0 minor league innings, most of which have been as a reliever.  Nelson is currently pitching for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League.  He has a 1.08 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 7 SO in 8.1 innings pitched.  Since he has pitched for both the Braves and the Mariners we all probably should have seen this coming.  If he had also pitched for the White Sox organization it would have completed the trifecta.  He’s more Triple-A roster filler, at best.

OF-Jorge Bonifacio, according to Sam Mellinger of the KC Star, is a first year player who will begin at the academy level in 2010.  I have been unable to find any other information on him.

OF-Damon Hollins (35) was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 4th round of the 1992 draft.  He last played in the majors back in 2006 for the Tampa Bay Rays.  He has also gathered ML at bats with the Dodgers and the Braves.  In 712 major league at bats he has hit 0.242/.284/.417 with 42 BB and 134 SO.  He has spent 15 seasons in the minor leagues for 6 different organizations, including the Omaha Royals back in 2008.  In 5,062 minor league at bats he has hit 0.266/.331/435.  He was signed for Triple-A roster depth, and will also serve in a coaching role.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

Before you move on, take a moment to enjoy my favorite recording of my favorite Christmas song of all time: