An Up-and-comer

Dayton Daily News:

Hamilton, whose goal at the start of his first full minor-league season had been to double the 48 steals he amassed at short-season Billings in 2010, scored moments later on a groundout, pointing the Dragons toward a 4-2 victory. It was their 82nd, equaling the franchise record set in 2001 with two games to go.

“I was pressing a little, thinking about 100 bags,” Hamilton said afterward. “Now that I got it, I can relax a little. It’s a relief.”

In a clubhouse where celebration practically has a locker, teammates rushed to congratulate Hamilton.

“He’s awesome,” relief pitcher Chad Rogers said. “It’s great that he could accomplish what he set out to do from the beginning.”

Hamilton is the 12th player in recorded minor-league history to steal 100 bases in a season. On his way, the 20-year-old Taylorsville, Miss., native broke the Cincinnati Reds’ organizational record of 98 held since 1988 by Ramon Sambo, who stole 385 bases in 10 minor-league seasons but never made the majors. The Reds see a dramatically different outcome for Hamilton, identified by Baseball America at the start of the season as their top minor-league prospect.

He kind of reminds me of Willie Mays Hays.  I love guys who hit for average, guys who steal bases and guys who hit doubles and triples.  Hamilton is most likely going to be in the majors in a year or two.  I look forward to seeing him stealing some bases.  His speed was noted in spring training, and next spring he'll probably make more of an impression.  Plus, he has a classic baseball name.  Sliding Billy Hamilton is one of the greatest outfielders of the 19th century.