Hamilton being sent to AA

[corkedbat]

Originally Posted by rgslone

I certainly don't mind the Reds trading Gregorius (or any prospect at this point) for the right piece to win now. However, as far as Gregorius' future in the Reds organization, I don't think he's blocked at SS. I've been happy with Cozart - good defense and decent bat - but I don't see him as blocking Gregorious. By all accounts, Gregorious is an even better defender than Cozart and his hitting for average may be better too (although Cozart certainly looks to have the power advantage).

I could esily see Cozart and Didi sharing time at SS in some form or another.

[RedlegJake]

I love the move up for Hamilton. Now is the time to see if he keeps up the discipline and walk rate as he advances. I expect the iso power to decline quite a bit especially at first but if he keeps getting on base, keeps his average at .280 or above and his .OBP at .350 or better by season's end I'll be happy (thrilled) with his progress.

[mth123]

Originally Posted by corkedbat

I could esily see Cozart and Didi sharing time at SS in some form or another.

Agreed. I'm a big Cozart fan, but he's pretty splitty and a left handed alter-ego makes a ton of sense. It doesn't need to be a straight platoon, but a guy who can capably man SS while playing twice a week against RHP makes the position better and I'd guess Cozart will also play better on the days that he does play with less exposure.

[rgslone]

Originally Posted by corkedbat

I could esily see Cozart and Didi sharing time at SS in some form or another.

I can't see Cozart and Gregorious splitting time at SS. One should be traded before that point. Leaving aside Hamilton, if Gregorious hits well enough to where the Reds would call him up and have him take starts, then a decision should be made in regard to who to keep and who to trade. A good defensive MLB caliber SS who can hit decently is too valuable of a commodity to simply keep for spot starts. A SS like that could bring too good of a return to waste like that.

[19braves77]

Originally Posted by rgslone

I can't see Cozart and Gregorious splitting time at SS. One should be traded before that point. Leaving aside Hamilton, if Gregorious hits well enough to where the Reds would call him up and have him take starts, then a decision should be made in regard to who to keep and who to trade. A good defensive MLB caliber SS who can hit decently is too valuable of a commodity to simply keep for spot starts. A SS like that could bring too good of a return to waste like that.

True. The Cubs got Matt Garza due to Hak Ju Lee being included.

[mth123]

Originally Posted by rgslone

I can't see Cozart and Gregorious splitting time at SS. One should be traded before that point. Leaving aside Hamilton, if Gregorious hits well enough to where the Reds would call him up and have him take starts, then a decision should be made in regard to who to keep and who to trade. A good defensive MLB caliber SS who can hit decently is too valuable of a commodity to simply keep for spot starts. A SS like that could bring too good of a return to waste like that.

Except both are probably over-exposed playing every day. I think as a tandem, they could make the Reds SS production among the best in the league. On their own, they are defensive specialists who will struggle to get on base and be in the bottom half of the league production wise. Not sure that either would bring back more than an interchangeable part on their own.

[osuredleg24]

Im excited cause i'm going to a Blue Wahoos game later this month!

[MikeS21]

Originally Posted by RedlegJake

I love the move up for Hamilton. Now is the time to see if he keeps up the discipline and walk rate as he advances. I expect the iso power to decline quite a bit especially at first but if he keeps getting on base, keeps his average at .280 or above and his .OBP at .350 or better by season's end I'll be happy (thrilled) with his progress.

That would be nice, but he's gonna have to step his game up quite a bit at the plate. Getting on base just became MUCH more difficult.

[RedlegJake]

Originally Posted by MikeS21

That would be nice, but he's gonna have to step his game up quite a bit at the plate. Getting on base just became MUCH more difficult.

I know. This is what I've been waiting for - to see how much he can do at this level. Big step up. Moving from an incredibly friendly hitter's league to a neutral or a bit suppressive league. Facing a much better level of pitching. Running against guys who are better at holding him on and catchers who are better at throwing. This, imo, is the most difficult test he faces until he actually jumps to the big leagues. Here is where so many guys stumble on their climb.

[corkedbat]

I think there's a good chance that Billy stryggles quite a bit the second half, but I think it will serve him well next year. All depends on how he is at adapting to new challenges.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by corkedbat

I think there's a good chance that Billy stryggles quite a bit the second half, but I think it will serve him well next year. All depends on how he is at adapting to new challenges.

Hamilton has had some prolonged struggles in his career and every time he has rebounded incredibly well. He didn't hit much at all in the GCL the year he was drafted. Then he went to Billings the next year and hit .318 with some patience. He then struggled mightily over the first half in Dayton. Then he hit incredibly well over the second half.

With that said, I am with you in that I think Hamilton could struggle some in AA upon his promotion. But, Hamilton has responded, eventually, with each struggle. The guy works incredibly hard.

[Scrap Irony]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

Hamilton has had some prolonged struggles in his career and every time he has rebounded incredibly well. He didn't hit much at all in the GCL the year he was drafted. Then he went to Billings the next year and hit .318 with some patience. He then struggled mightily over the first half in Dayton. Then he hit incredibly well over the second half.

With that said, I am with you in that I think Hamilton could struggle some in AA upon his promotion. But, Hamilton has responded, eventually, with each struggle. The guy works incredibly hard.

Which is why many really like him as a prospect.

He's shown a rare ability to overcome hardships, perservere, and dominate his league.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Move him to CF now. Cozart is our SS of the present and future. We don't have a legit CF. We don't have a legit leadoff hitter. Hamilton could be ideal for both roles.

We all know he's not going to be a SS at the MLB level. Move him to CF now. No need to wait.

[Steve4192]

Originally Posted by Blitz Dorsey

Move him to CF now. Cozart is our SS of the present and future.

Cozart is a decent enough placeholder, but I am not sure I want him as 'the future' for the Reds at SS. He's got a nice glove and some pop in his bat, but he is an out machine. He's basically the SS equivalent of Drew Stubbs (great glove, good power, oodles of outs) and I don't see anyone pining for Stubbs as 'the future' at CF.

If Hamilton can continue to get on base and improve his defense enough to stick at SS, I'd much rather have him as 'the future'.

[bellhead]

Originally Posted by Steve4192

Cozart is a decent enough placeholder, but I am not sure I want him as 'the future' for the Reds at SS. He's got a nice glove and some pop in his bat, but he is an out machine. He's basically the SS equivalent of Drew Stubbs (great glove, good power, oodles of outs) and I don't see anyone pining for Stubbs as 'the future' at CF.

If Hamilton can continue to get on base and improve his defense enough to stick at SS, I'd much rather have him as 'the future'.

Let's give him 500 ab's in the majors at least, Stubbs is in his 3rd full year.