Billy Speedball

[klaiggeb]

Saw the interview with Kapler about Billy Hamilton; him talking about what a nightmare Billy is on pitchers once he gets on base.

And that's the catch, isn't it; once...he...gets...on...base.

That's what I don't get about these egotistical ball players.

Hamilton is fast beyond belief, but holds a .292 OBP and a .242 career batting average.

With his speed, he should have, and I repeat, should have LEARNED how to:

1-be ore selective at the plate

2-hit the ball on the ground more, as Matty Alou did when he got to the Pirates in 1966.

3-STOP trying to hit the ball out of the park.

There is really no excuse in the world, NONE, for this guy. He's been in the league too long not to have figured stuff like this out.

So Kapler's right; he does scare opposing pitchers.

But since he refuses to walk, refuses to have plate discipline, he's not that much of an issue.

And until he learns those things, (and based upon what I've seen from him and a gazillion players just like him who came before and after him, I don't see that happening), I'd rather not have him on the team.

[Islandboagie]

With how hard pitchers throw these days it's not as easy to merely put the ball in play. I'm sure fast runners like Hamilton would love to get on base consistently, but obviously it's easier said than done.

On the other hand, if I were Hamilton I'd probably try to bunt at least once a game and let my speed challenge the defense.

[garyd4sf]

With an extra roster opening , #26, it appears that a base stealing threat, if replacing an on base player, can be an effective weapon.


Not to mention that he is also an excellent CF (at times) for late inning defense.