Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan
 This Reds regime has been historically slow at promoting star caliber players. We'll probably have to wait until Opening Day 2014 to see him at the earliest. Never mind where is he going to play, and who are they going to take off the 40 man roster for him. |
I don't know that I agree at all with this. In fact, it seems to me that high profile prospects who could potentially be PR cash cows usually tend to be rushed before they are 100% ready. In recent years, that list includes Homer Bailey, Jay Bruce, and Aroldis Chapman. I feel all three were rushed to the majors before they were ready simply because the team felt they would bring fans to the ballpark. Only Joey Votto was not rushed.
Billy Hamilton should not sniff Cincinnati before 2014 - not even in September. I am not even real confident he'll be ready then. But I can't help but feel that come June or July during the 2013 season, they will promote him simply because he can put fans in the seats. And if one of the OF's (Ludwick, Choo, or Bruce) goes into a prolonged slump, the outcry to promote Hamilton will be overwhelming. The game threads will be unbearable to follow because the call to promote him will dominate the game threads for weeks.