But he could certainly go through Dayton and Bakersfield in 2011, then go through AA, play a few games in Louisville, and play in eptember in the majors in 2012. (Many exceptional prospects do just that.)

That could very well put him in as the starter in Cincinnati in April of 2013 without a huge jump.

I wouldn't bet on it, but if he's a top ten prospect in all of baseball, he would (typically) do just that at least once in his minor league career (re, jump two or more levels in one season).

I don't know if he will, as Hamilton is young, but a lack of quality prospects in front of him, a huge contract at 2B, no SS, and a leadoff need may push him as well.