Originally Posted by
JayStubbs
All good points. However two counterpoints.
First, if you compare Hamilton to Gordon based on where there were at the same age, Hamilton blows Gordon away. Career minor league numbers can be misleading. The best way to evaluate a minor leaguer is to watch his progression. As he moves up and gets older does he eventually improve? That clearly was the case with Hamilton, and not so much with Gordon.
I can understand why someone who hasn't seen Hamiltaon play would be willing to trade him. However, most of us who live around Cincinnati have seen him play in Dayton, and that makes a huge difference in evaluating him.
I personally have seen him turn a one hopper to the left field wall into a stand up inside the park homerun, with no misplays by the defense.
I have seen him turn numerous bunts into triples as the defense panics to get him out at first.
I have seen numerous cleanly fielded, routine groundballs to SS turn into easy singles for Hamilton, with perfect throws.
Others have seen him score from second after tagging on a infield pop up.
Others have seen him score from second on groundball back to the pitcher.
Others have seen him, as a SS, catch a flyball to leftfield, that the leftfielder lost in the lights... just a few feet from the warning track.
And none of these have anything to do with stealing bases.
His speed isn't just great, it's one of a kind, game changing speed. Literally all groundballs to the infield are possible hits, with his speed. No one else in my lifetime has ever been that fast.
He also has an outstanding work ethic, dedication to the game, baseball smarts, and athleticism that will likely help him improve as continues to play.
I guarantee you that if you saw him play, you would change your opinion of him.