Hamilton keeps swiping bases: Reds shortstop prospect Billy Hamilton has unfortunately dealt with a market correction in May at Class A Bakersfield. After batting an outstanding .398 in 23 April games, Hamilton is batting just .215 in 18 May games. Hamilton has a .311 average, .386 OBP, .467 slugging percentage and .853 OPS in 41 games. Hamilton also has 40 stolen bases. (Updated 05/22/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
You had to figure Hamilton's numbers were going to come down after he had one of the best Aprils in all of baseball. Still, Hamilton's numbers are impressive, especially his stolen-base total. Hamilton continues to be one of the best basestealers in the minors and is on track for another season of 100-plus stolen bases if he stays healthy. Despite his prowess on the base paths, the Reds don't seem in a hurry to get Hamilton to the majors with Zack Cozart holding his own at shortstop. Hamilton remains just a long-term keeper. (Updated 05/22/2012).
No Headlines Available
Billy Hamilton topped 100 stolen bases last season, which is something no minor-leaguer had done since 2001 and no major-leaguer has done since 1987. Clearly, his best tool is speed, and he might have as much as any player in recent memory. He's the kind of player who will successfully steal bases even on pitchouts and pickoff throws, so if he hits enough to reach the majors, you know he'll run enough to make a significant Fantasy impact. But that's the question: Will he hit enough? The scouts seem to think so, but Hamilton's lack of plate discipline is something he'll need to overcome to make the most of his abilities. In fairness, he did hit .316 after May after hitting only .195 before it, so he already seems to be making improvements. At age 21, Hamilton can afford to spend a couple more years in the minors, and he'll likely need every bit of that time. But if he develops as expected and is able to remain at shortstop, his league-leading number of steals should make him an elite Fantasy option down the line. (Updated 1/25/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
