Doug: Billy Hamilton's newfound "power"

[Blitz Dorsey]

I use that term lightly, but Hamilton had 7 HRs during his first 4 professional seasons combined. This season he has 6.

And Louisville's park has deep dimensions -- it's known as a pitcher's park.

Are some of these inside-the-parkers? Guessing at least 4-5 have gone over the fence though. That has to be a good sign that he's getting more pop in his bat.

To be clear, I'm not saying I want Billy to be a guy that ever goes up there thinking about hitting a HR. But for a guy who's been labeled a complete slap hitter with no pop, him having 6 HRs at the Triple-A level is a good sign, IMO.

Also, while he's obviously not lighting the world on fire, I think a lot of people are downplaying the solid year Hamilton is having in Triple-A. He's still just 22 and is batting .257 with a .311 OBP and a .658 OPS. (Also has 68 steals in 80 attempts.) It's a tough transition moving up to Triple-A for most young players and I think he's handling it well, especially given the fact he's learning a new position on the fly. Look how bad Neftali Soto was his first year in AAA and he was a year older last year (23) than Hamilton is now.

[mdccclxix]

AAA has been a serious wall for the latest crop of prospects and Hamilton's no exception. I do think he will improve next year and really hope he does well in Cincinnati in a few weeks.

[RedlegJake]

I think he mostly needs another year to develop. I hope he gets it. I do hope that they bring him up for PR and occasional ABs in September. Last year I thought it was too soon, this year I think it might help him and the Reds, if he is used correctly.

[Plus Plus]

Over the last month, Billy Hamilton has performed much better, to the tune of about a .700 OPS. In July, he hit .269/.337/.359/.696, and is doing quite well in the first week of August so far.

With his speed, I think that line plays at the MLB level. Hopefully he can keep it up.

[*BaseClogger*]

I use that term lightly, but Hamilton had 7 HRs during his first 4 professional seasons combined. This season he has 6.

And Louisville's park has deep dimensions -- it's known as a pitcher's park.

Are some of these inside-the-parkers? Guessing at least 4-5 have gone over the fence though. That has to be a good sign that he's getting more pop in his bat.

To be clear, I'm not saying I want Billy to be a guy that ever goes up there thinking about hitting a HR. But for a guy who's been labeled a complete slap hitter with no pop, him having 6 HRs at the Triple-A level is a good sign, IMO.

Also, while he's obviously not lighting the world on fire, I think a lot of people are downplaying the solid year Hamilton is having in Triple-A. He's still just 22 and is batting .257 with a .311 OBP and a .658 OPS. (Also has 68 steals in 80 attempts.) It's a tough transition moving up to Triple-A for most young players and I think he's handling it well, especially given the fact he's learning a new position on the fly. Look how bad Neftali Soto was his first year in AAA and he was a year older last year (23) than Hamilton is now.

Why can't I "like" this post?

[Cooper]

In your heart you can. Nobody can take away the love you feel for that post.