Billy Hamilton

[REDREAD]

I think it is very fair to say he regressed. Walk rate down, strikeout rate up. Doesn't mean he can't rebound, but he has absolutely regressed this year.

Fair comment.
I guess my point was that he only spent about 6-8 weeks in AA last year before getting promoted. He's facing harder competition now, and he's working through his tweaks.

It's not as if he repeated a level and started tanking.

But yea, he definitely hasn't improved and given the super high expectations, he's been disappointing.
Not trying to split hairs or say you are wrong, just giving my opinion. Billy has time to make adjustments. I just think some people (not you Doug) are being a bit harsh on a guy that has been promoted very aggressively.

[CmdrCody]

For what it's worth, there was a TV interview on FSO with Jim Riggleman (a couple weeks ago).
They said basically that the coaching staff is trying to get Billy H to hit the ball on the ground more. Maybe that explains why he's hitting fewer balls to the OF with authority? Anyhow Riggleman even said <paraphrased> "When Billy hits the ball in the air, it's bad".

Not saying the Reds are right or wrong, just trying to relay what I heard.

Does he do push-ups after a fly ball like Wiilie Mays Hayes?

[757690]

Keith Law just did a piece on the top 8 prospects whose stock has dropped. I would imagine Hamilton was mentioned. It's insider only, so wondering if any insiders can reveal if he did.

[RED VAN HOT]

Keith Law just did a piece on the top 8 prospects whose stock has dropped. I would imagine Hamilton was mentioned. It's insider only, so wondering if any insiders can reveal if he did.

No he wasn't. Corcino was.

[757690]

No he wasn't. Corcino was.

Thanks. Really can't argue with that.

[RedsfaninMT]

Billy now at .311/.355 (AVG/OBP) since the All Star break in 102 AB with 17 SB, caught stealing only twice.

Keep it rollin' Billy. Certainly heating up in the last 10 games too with .333/.364.

[reds44]

I was thinking last night he seems to be doing much better as of late. If he can finish strong, I would bet he's still the OD CFer next year.

[mdccclxix]

Looking at the hitter spray chart for billy here: http://mlbfarm.com/player.php?player...40&position=CF

There is an amazing number of singles (and ground outs) inside the diamond.

[wastedtime]

I was thinking last night he seems to be doing much better as of late. If he can finish strong, I would bet he's still the OD CFer next year.

Which leads me to wonder...

If he gets the Sept 1 call up, do we get much of a chance to see if he could possibly be the man in CF next season, or does he stay on the bench while the Reds are in a playoff chase?

[RedlegJake]

Which leads me to wonder...

If he gets the Sept 1 call up, do we get much of a chance to see if he could possibly be the man in CF next season, or does he stay on the bench while the Reds are in a playoff chase?

pinch hit, pinch run, late defensive replacement, swapped in during blowouts - that would be my guess - the pennant race is more important than getting him on the field but he can be a weapon used correctly...an element of speed the Reds don't have right now.

[Benihana]

Which leads me to wonder...

If he gets the Sept 1 call up, do we get much of a chance to see if he could possibly be the man in CF next season, or does he stay on the bench while the Reds are in a playoff chase?

With his recent resurgence, I've also been wondering if maybe he does become the everyday CF before the ASB next year. Not sure about Opening Day, but with a strong spring (and maybe AFL?) you never know...

[OGB]

pinch hit, pinch run, late defensive replacement, swapped in during blowouts - that would be my guess - the pennant race is more important than getting him on the field but he can be a weapon used correctly...an element of speed the Reds don't have right now.

With Robinson in the organization, I'd prefer Billy stay in Louisville til the bitter end, getting every AB possible. What you described above is exactly what D Rob would do except Derrick has the advantage of coming up here having done it for over half a season already.

[reds44]

Hamilton will stay in the minors until Louisville's season ends, but their season ends the first week of Septemeber anyways, IIRC.

But to answer the original question, the only way he sees serious playing time (not as a pinch runner) is if something happens to Choo or if the Reds lock up the division early (which probably won't happen).

[LoganBuck]

With Robinson in the organization, I'd prefer Billy stay in Louisville til the bitter end, getting every AB possible. What you described above is exactly what D Rob would do except Derrick has the advantage of coming up here having done it for over half a season already.

Robinson did what exactly? Hamilton>>>Robinson just on pinch running

[RedlegJake]

Robinson did what exactly? Hamilton>>>Robinson just on pinch running

Exactly. Robinson is NOT able to do what Hamilton can do on the base paths alone. I also think he is probably the lesser defender and is not as fast. Robinson is fast. Hamilton is a laser beam. Saying Robinson can do the same thing is simply NOT true!