What to make of Lisalverto Bonilla’s 8-inning start?
First, let’s not confuse Bonilla with the Reds’ high-upside pitching prospects. As Jim Walker pointed out in his excellent introduction, Bonilla was picked up off waivers from the Pirates. The Dodgers had allowed Bonilla to become a free agent before that. Bonilla’s resumé is closer to Blake Wood than Luis Castillo.
Contrary to what you might have heard on the radio broadcast though, Bonilla doesn’t have a history of wildness. He’s just a guy who hasn’t been quite good enough to make a major league roster.
Bonilla (26, almost 27) doesn’t have an extra-big arm.