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Cincinnati Reds Billy Hamilton Should Be Ready by Opening Day

By Bill Pivetz

August 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) reacts after scoring a run in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
August 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) reacts after scoring a run in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cincinnati Reds speedster Billy Hamilton had a disappointing 2015 season at the plate. With a healthy Spring Training, he should be back to form in 2016. But is he worth drafting early?

The Cincinnati Reds offense was one of the worst in the league last season. Despite having three 25-home run hitters, the team finished with a .248 average, 25th in the league. One let down for the team was sophomore hitter Billy Hamilton. He improved in the steals department, but his performance at the plate suffered. He also underwent  shoulder surgery at the end of September. With the diagnosis looking good, how will he perform this season? 

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Billy Hamilton made a big splash in the fantasy world when he debuted in September of 2013. He played in just 13 games, but he stole 13 bases and hit .368. He was one of the most wanted players in drafts the following season. With steals hard to come by, Hamilton was a popular selection. He finished the season with 56 steals, six home runs, 48 RBI and .250 average in 152 games.

Last season was very disappointing for Billy Hamilton and his fantasy owners. As a sixth-round pick, Hamilton had the production of a middle-round selection. His steals were the only thing that kept him in the top 90 on the Player Rater. He stole 57 bases and was only caught eight times, compared to 23 times in 2014. However, his numbers at the plate took a hit. In 114 games, he had 93 hits (eight doubles, three triples, four home runs), 28 RBI and a .226 average.

He missed 20 games between Aug. 18 and Sept. 9 with a sprained capsule. He was activated off the DL, but the injury came back. His last game was Sept. 16, underwent surgery on Sept. 21 and was shut down for the rest of the season.

Looking ahead, his availability for Spring Training is likely.  “There’s no structural damage,” GM Walt Jocketty said, “but we think [the surgery] will help and [Hamilton will] be 100% and ready to go before Spring Training.” This bodes well for the unlikelihood of the injury coming back.

Next: Pablo Sandoval: Bounce Back Candidate in 2016?

I avoided drafting Billy Hamilton in both 2014 and 2015 for two reasons. One, he was taken before me and two, he was a one-dimensional player. The sparse home runs and .250 average were not worth the 55 stolen bases. I am an advocate of drafting multiple 20-steal guys instead of using an early pick on a 50-steal guy. If you play in a head-to-head league, or even a Roto league, Hamilton does not provide much fantasy value outside of the steals. There are other hitters that can get you 25-30 steals with 20 home runs and .280 average.

Projections: 136 hits, four home runs, 42 RBI, 57 steals, .248 average

Draft: Round 13

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