Billy Hamilton reassigned to minor league camp

CINCINNATI - Reds top prospect Billy Hamilton won't be at the major league level just yet.

The team announced Tuesday that they reassigned Hamilton to minor league camp along right-handed pitcher Drew Hayes.

Hamilton will likely end up with AAA Louisville to start the regular season.

Hamilton is coming off a full year in the minors in which he set the record for most stolen bases in a season with 155.

If Hamilton is to play at all for the Reds in 2013, he would likely have to pick up some infield work, rather than the center field position he's been used to in the minors. The Reds have a loaded outfield, but could use some padded depth at second base, third base and shortstop when Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart need a rest. 

Either way, Hamilton is expected to be the Reds' future lead-off hitter some time in the next few years, and can be a Plan B should the team see a lot of injuries.

The continued experience Hamilton will get at the minor league level will be instrumental in making sure he doesn't become Drew Stubbs 2.0. For more on whether or not Hamilton would be a good fit for the Reds, go to http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/sports/baseball/reds/will-billy-hamilton-be-a-good-fit-for-the-reds .