PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Position battles to watch

Cincinnati Reds

One of the biggest storylines this spring will certainly be the performance of speedster Billy Hamilton (OF, CIN). After stealing 103 bases in Class A in 2011, he followed that up with 155 steals and a .410 on-base-percentage the following season. That moved him up the prospect rankings lists, but he took a step back last year in his first taste of Triple-A. In 547 plate appearances, he stole "only" 75 bases, thanks to a pedestrian .308 OBP. He saw just 22 plate appearances following his September call-up, but swiped 13 bases, seven of which came as a pinch runner.

Thus far, GM Walt Jocketty has stood firm in his belief of Hamilton as his center fielder and leadoff hitter. He is expected to play good defense, and would...

Almost!

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