Dominican born right-hander Lisalberto Bonilla took great strides in the Phillies developmental system during the 2011 season. As hurlers like Justin De Fratus, Julio Rodriguez, Jesse Biddle and Trevor May excelled on the mound and proved worthy of their high prospect rankings within the organization, they were joined by a fast rising star with great control and a solid repertoire.
Bonilla sports a fastball that regularly reaches the mid-90's as well as a great change up and an always-improving slider.
Signed by the Phillies in 2008, Bonilla made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Phillies the following year, posting a 6-2 record with a 1.41 ERA and a .189 batting average against in 11 games, all starts.
In 2010, Bonilla split his season with the Gulf Coast League Phillies and the short season Williamsport Crosscutters. In 16 combined games, Bonilla went 3-4 with a 3.99 ERA.
The 6-feet-1-inch 170-pound Bonilla began the 2011 season in extended spring training, but joined the Class-A Lakewood BlueClaws in time to earn a spot on the South Atlantic League mid-season All-Star team. Overall, Bonilla posted a 4-5 record with a 2.80 ERA with 95 strike outs in 106 innings. The 21-year-old appeared in 26 games, 15 of which were starts.
Late in the 2011 regular season, Bonilla was ranked among the Phillies' top 20 prospects in a survey of minor league experts conducted by The Reading Eagle.
The native of Samana, DR has participated in the Florida Instructional League following each of the past two seasons.
Below is some exclusive footage of Lisalberto in action this past season.
_______________________________________________________
You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE.
Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE
