April 9, 201412 yr This is insane - http://m.mlb.com/video/v31940121/cinstl-hamilton-races-home-on-shallow-sac-fly/?player_id=571740 Scores on a sac fly to basically the second baseman. He stole his first base this season off of Molina - with no throw.
April 9, 201412 yr I think he shouldn't be batting 1st but man. OMG is right. Anyword on how Buxton's speed compares to Hamilton?
April 9, 201412 yr For a second I thought I was watching Willingham run, then I remembered he was out, and did not play for the Reds, otherwise it was like watching Willingham. Edited April 9, 201412 yr by D. Hocking
April 9, 201412 yr There is even more on Fangraphs....the whole sequence is him. Notice that Molina doesn't even think about throwing on the steal. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/lets-watch-billy-hamilton-make-a-run-happen/
April 10, 201412 yr I've heard about his speed but I've never seen him before. The play where he tagged at 2nd on a short fly to right might have been more impressive. I believe it was Sickels or Callis that said you have to see him in person to really realize how insanely fast he is. He's hands down the fastest player they had ever seen
April 10, 201412 yr LOL, someone please make a gif of the look on Molina's face after he makes a perfect throw to second base and doesnt come close to throwing him out.
April 10, 201412 yr Author I think he shouldn't be batting 1st but man. OMG is right. Anyword on how Buxton's speed compares to Hamilton? I've seen both get 80s on the scouting scale but scouting guys say Hamilton's speed is really a 90, the scale just doesn't go that high. Buxton is fast but not Hamilton fast.
April 10, 201412 yr And yet some on this board are almost dismissive of the speed tool. I've always wished there was some kind of adjusted OPS to take into account the additional bases that a guy with this kind of speed are able to take.
April 10, 201412 yr And yet some on this board are almost dismissive of the speed tool. I've always wished there was some kind of adjusted OPS to take into account the additional bases that a guy with this kind of speed are able to take. If he takes extra bases, it should be reflected in the Slugging %.His problem is his OB%. He needs to swing the bat better and realize that pitchers are not going to walk him but challenge his bat.
April 10, 201412 yr If he takes extra bases, it should be reflected in the Slugging %.His problem is his OB%. He needs to swing the bat better and realize that pitchers are not going to walk him but challenge his bat. I meant stolen bases and tagging up on fly balls that most players wouldn't be able to, and going first to 3rd on hits that most players wouldn't be able to, stuff like that.
April 10, 201412 yr Speed like this is a weapon all it's own. No need to look at numbers to closely with Billy Hamilton. He's a potential multi base hit every time he reaches first. Jaw dropping speed!!! It's why I miss Ben Revere terribly.
April 10, 201412 yr I'd always hoped there was some way the Twins could snag him for an OF prospect to play SS. Imagine a future of #9 Hamilton, #1 Buxton, #2 Hicks. That speed would be insanely fun to watch. While I was higher on Revere than most I still understood his shortcomings but dang was he fun to watch in the same way.
April 10, 201412 yr http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-toolsiest-player-of-them-all/ Statistics put to use on the value of speed (actually all tools, but the last paragraph is about Billy Hamilton and speed).
April 22, 201412 yr Author I might be adding to this thread all through the year. Ever see anyone beat out a grounder to first before? Me neither. http://m.mlb.com/video/v32234949/cinchc-hamilton-beats-rizzo-for-an-infield-single
April 22, 201412 yr Author And, here is a nice one where he goes first to third on a come backer to the pitcher:http://m.mlb.com/video/v32283845/cinpit-hamilton-uses-speed-to-score-run-for-reds/?player_id=571740
April 22, 201412 yr And, here is a nice one where he goes first to third on a come backer to the pitcher:http://m.mlb.com/video/v32283845/cinpit-hamilton-uses-speed-to-score-run-for-reds/?player_id=571740Bryce Harper did this once last year too, except I think the shortstop fielded it. I'm surprised you don't see guys take 3rd more often like that with no outs. You would think its about as easy as stealing 2nd on a pitch.
April 22, 201412 yr How's his defense in CF been? He should be getting to more balls than anyone else.
May 21, 201412 yr Caught stealing by the Mets' Anthony Recker. http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/73955164/v32995867/reckers-throw-tracked-by-mlbams-new-tracking-tech/?partnerId=as_nym_20140520_24288574 Still fast though. Had to be a perfect play to get him.
May 21, 201412 yr Caught stealing by the Mets' Anthony Recker. http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/73955164/v32995867/reckers-throw-tracked-by-mlbams-new-tracking-tech/?partnerId=as_nym_20140520_24288574 Still fast though. Had to be a perfect play to get him. I really wish MLB would use more analysis like this and bring slow motion replay back to their videos.
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