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Old 08-13-2012, 07:15 AM   #56
Steve4192
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,071
Re: The Official Billy Hamilton SB Record Countdown

Quote:
Originally Posted by redsfandan View Post
That thursday night game at Mobile looks like the game to be at. Could be historic.

Maybe there could be a RedsZoner with video.



This is mostly directed to those that watch Reds prospects like Hamilton and that watched Morgan and the BRM. I've heard that Morgan was the sparkplug that got the BRM going. That he had the ability to start big innings and rallies mostly due to his ability to get on base and disrupt the opposing pitchers. Ok, here's the question: (dare I suggest it but ... ) could Hamilton be another Morgan?

I'm just talking strictly offense, could he make the same kind of impact? Improve the Reds offense, not just one notch, but one or two by himself. Obviously, Hamilton won't have Morgan's power and the obp might be wishful thinking. But, with Billy's speed and possible improvements to his baserunning ability ...
No

Little Joe's power makes the comparison ludicrous, especially once you adjust for era.

Also, while Hamilton has done a good job of pumping up his walk rate this year, I seriously doubt he'll ever be as proficient at it as Morgan was. Even if he develops an eye that is equal to Morgan's, he doesn't have the pop in his bat to keep pitchers from challenging him in the strike zone. Drawing walks is a lot harder when pitchers know they can throw a meatball down the middle and not get punished with an extra base hit.

Lastly, he will certainly be a more prolific base stealer than Morgan, he has a LONG way to go before he is as skilled as Morgan was on the bases. Hamilton is way faster than Morgan ever was, but Joe was the king of getting huge leads, taking extra bases, and generally making a nuisance of himself on the basepaths. If Hamilton can ever develop his baserunning SKILLS to go along with his natural gifts, he has a chance to be all-time great in the baserunning department.

Last edited by Steve4192; 08-13-2012 at 07:19 AM.
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