"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
Well it all started when Jim Coombs felt sorry for the batter, and left a hanging breaking ball over the plate to get a good swing. As he was running b/w the mound and home plate, changing into his catchers gear, he noticed the child in the first row that had seen Coombs play for the first time that day. Not wanting to dissapoint the child, he quickly shifted gears, throw off the catchers mask, ran into the dugout to grab an outfielders glove, and hustled out to center field to bring back the potential home run ball. He then ran over to the young child, begged for his forgiveness and promised to never take mercy on another opponent again in fear of dissapointed another fan who was there to see him for the first time. He then went out and hit 3 home runs the next inning.
"Can play shortstop" isn't exactly a glowing review, gents (and ladies). I'm sure Billy Hamilton could be a fill-in SS when he reaches the Majors, but does anyone really doubt he will be a second baseman eventually? I already have him penned in as Brandon Phillips' replacement. I think the Reds will pick up Phillips' option for 2012 and then Hamilton will take over in '13 as the starting 2B.
I think it will come down to who the better shortstop is between Cozart and Hamilton. There is no reason in the world Hamilton should move off of shortstop any time soon though.
Get MLBtraderumors Reds updates on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reds-R...33794710005587
http://i.imgur.com/1bCKpaH.jpg
Depens no how he progresses. I wouldn't be surprised to see him spend a full season in Dayton this year, then get the stubbs/Bruce treatment and go from High A, to AA, to AAA next season, if he continues to put up solid numbers. I'd personally like to see at least 1 more season of minor league ball in there, but Brandon's contract could be the determining factor.
That's possible. Despite being with the Reds system for now three years, I'm still not too sure how they move their prospects (fast or slow.) From what I heard in 2009 it was rather slow, but maybe things have changed since then. (Leake, Jordan going from Double-A to bigs, and Sapp going from A ball to Trips in a year.)
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please. |