EMILIO BONIFACIO WAS A BETTER OPTION THAN BEN ZOBRIST

Now don't get getting that headline confused with me saying that Emilio Bonifacio is a better player than Ben Zobrist. He's not. I just think he's a better option for what the White Sox need right now than Zobrist.

First of all, according to reports out there, Bonifacio is coming to the Sox on a one-year deal for only $4 million (apparently it's a one-year with a club option for 2016 according to Levine. He'll get $3 million in 2015 and $4 million in 2016 unless the Sox buy him out for $1 million. So $4 million for 2015 in all probability). While Zobrist only has one year left on his contract for $7 million, it's not just the money you'd have to pay for him, but at least a decent prospect as well. So by signing Bonifacio over Zobrist you're saving a lot more than just $3 million.

But none of us sign the checks, so the money shouldn't be that important. How it affects the White Sox as a team in 2015 does.

We'll start with Zobrist. I like him quite a bit. He's incredibly versatile, and he brings a nice bat that can play just about anywhere in the lineup. Since becoming a full-time player with the Rays in 2009 he's hit .270/.364/.437 with an OPS+ of 123 in six seasons while playing everywhere from right field to second base and shortstop. But as good as Zobrist is, he'd also be something of a road block with the White Sox.

If you trade for Zobrist he's in your starting lineup just about every day. It doesn't always have to be at second base, but he's going to be in there. And that severely limits the amount of playing time that guys like Carlos Sanchez and Micah Johnson can receive.

There's also the fact that Zobrist turns 34 in May. While he hasn't faded as a hitter in his early 30s, Father Time catches up to everybody sooner or later, and just imagine if it was this season that got Zobrist.

And that's why I prefer Bonifacio. He's no where near the hitter that Zobrist is, as he has a career OBP of .319 and had an OPS+ above 100 in only one season (107 in 2011, 79 for his career), but he's still useful.

He's also a switch-hitter that is far more successful against lefties, which means he can serve as the other half of the third-base platoon with Conor Gillaspie, but he's not limited to that role, either.

Last season he played second, short, third and all three outfield spots for the Cubs and Braves. He's the kind of super-utility guy that the Sox haven't had in a while. You can plug-and-play him just about anywhere and know what you're going to get. Also, at only $4 million for this year, it's not like you're required to give the guy a starting job.

He comes into camp this spring just like everybody else and competes for his playing time. If he outplays guys like Sanchez and Johnson, he's your starter. If he doesn't you still have a very valuable asset on the bench that allows you to give Sanchez or Johnson time while the other spends some more time in the minors getting ready for 2016.

So I think this is just another smart move in what's been a winter of smart moves by Rick Hahn and the White Sox. I just hope it all pays off with a competitive team next season.