Ex-Turk Rauch Now Ex-National

07/22/2008 – WHSV TV 3 Newsroom and Turks Tidbits

The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired reliever Jon Rauch from the Washington Nationals for prospect Emilio Bonaficio on Tuesday. Rauch was 4-2 with 17 saves in 22 chances and a 2.98 ERA for the Nationals. He has been filling in at closer for most of the season for injured Chad Cordero. Bonaficio entered the season as Arizona’s No. 6 prospect, according to Baseball America. The speedy second baseman was recalled by the Diamondbacks on July 4, and was 2-for-12 in eight games. Jon Rauch (Moorehead College, KY) played for the Harrisonburg Turks in 1998. Rauch dominated the Valley Baseball League that summer with his 6’10" (now 6’11") pitching presence and received attention from Baseball America, ESPN, and major league scouts. Rauch took home the Turks MVP and the VBL MVP honors that season.