'I think it can play at MLB level'; WooSox manager backs David Hamilton as a center fielder
David Hamilton had the chance this season to get into 15 major league games while he was up with the Red Sox this season. He saw 13 games at shortstop and the other two at second base.
The story in Worcester is a bit different. Hamilton has played in 83 games at shortstop, 14 games at second base, and 6 games in center field. WooSox manager Chad Tracy has high praise for the speedster when he is out in center field.
“We are very comfortable with him there.” Chad Tracy said on Hamilton. “Being able to put speed in center field is big. He has done a great job out there. We have to watch him as he navigates the field and isn’t too deep. If a ball goes up in the air in any direction, he will run it down. He is not incredibly experienced out there but when you watch him play, it looks like he is very confident in his route running and knows what he is doing.”
There is quite a logjam in the outfield up in Boston at the moment, especially in center field. The Red Sox have had Adam Duvall, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and Jarren Duran all spend time in center this season. All but Adam Duvall are under contract for next season so it might be tough for Hamilton to see major league time there unless there are injuries. Regardless, extra depth and added versatility is never a bad thing.
“He is an MLB option and that is why we are doing it.” Tracy added. “It’s why he has played second, shortstop, and center field here. We are getting him to where he can play anywhere in the middle of the field for depth. The more reps he gets and the more comfortable he gets; he will be better. He also has a strong arm. I have seen him run down balls in the gap and make strong throws to third base. I think it can play in the MLB and as his career goes on, I think it will need to play to be versatile to play around the field.”
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