Cincinnati Reds: Billy Hamilton Is Tearing It Up in Bakersfield

Just in case you all don't keep up with the organization's top prospects, here's an update on the Reds' top minor league prospect, Billy Hamilton.

In short, Hamilton is just destroying A+ Bakersfield.

His last 10 games have been off the charts. In said games Hamilton has put together an impressive stat line:

Name	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	R	SB	AVG.	OBP.	SLG.
Billy Hamilton	39	17	4	3	0	5	12	9	.486	.500	692

That's by far the most impressive 10-game stretch of any player at any level in the Reds' organization this season.

Hamilton's season so far has been great to say the least:

Name	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	R	SB	AVG.	OBP.	SLG.
Billy Hamilton	49	19	5	3	1	8	15	11	.388	.474	.673

His hot start at the plate shouldn't surprise anybody. His bat has been steadily improving over the last few seasons.

Some of his splits are relatively surprising, though. He's hitting .500 with runners in scoring position with 8 RBI and a home run.

He's also hitting right-handed and left-handed pitching equally well:

Billy Hamilton	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	R	SB	AVG.	OBP.	SLG.
vs. Left	26	9	1	1	1	6	6	7	.346	.414	.577
vs. Right	23	10	4	2	0	2	9	4	.435	.536	.783

Bottom line is that Hamilton is a stud. His only problem is his defense at shortstop.

Thus far his defense is not good. In 50 chances Hamilton has 15 PO, 31 assists four errors and a .920 fielding percentage.

I've got him pegged as an outfielder by the time he reaches Cincinnati.

It's tantalizing to think what Hamilton can do when he gets his shot on the big stage. He's still a little ways away, but don't be surprised if his average stays around .300, he steals 80-plus bases, scores 100 runs and hits 10-plus home runs.