Reds Prospect, Billy Hamilton, Better Suited For The Outfield
The Cincinnati Reds are expecting big things from their 2009 #2 draft pick, Billy Hamilton.
Mark Sheldon/MLB.com reported in his article "Hamilton on fast track to be Red's leadoff man" that Reds vice president of scouting, player
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development and international operations Bill Bavasi said "We think a lot of him. He's from a good-looking crop of guys that popped out from Billings and Arizona. He's certainly one of the top guys in that group."
Hamilton started his professional career in 2009 hitting .205 for the Gulf Coast League Reds. Last season he improved to .318 at rookie-level Billings.
He was a shortstop with the Gulf Coast League Reds, but struggle so much at Billings, he was moved to second base. He played very well at second, but because of his range, he is again playing short.
Currently he is playing for Delino DeShields at Dayton (low A) where he is struggling both defensively and at the plate. He has committed 14 errors in just 29 games, resulting in a .880 fielding percentage. At the plate he is hitting .207 with 33 strikeouts in 111 at bats, but leads the Mid-west league with 23 stolen bases.
Hamilton projects to be a good leadoff hitter, but has a lot of work to do swinging the bat and learning to bunt well enough to take full advantage of his speed.
However, as much as the Reds would like to see him at short, his speed and arm, make him well suited for the outfield. The combination of speed and arm strength, will be a delight to his pitchers.
"He's a kid we cannot, and will not, be afraid to push. He has to much ability," said Bavasi.
Don't look for Hamilton to be with the big league club anytime soon, and if/when he does, it likely will not be as a shortstop.
