David
Hamilton

10-14-2018: 

It wasn’t a perfect performance for the junior and the No. 82 ranked in the PBR College Top 150, but Texas shortstop David Hamilton flashed some of the tools that make him an attractive MLB Draft prospect. The San Marcos native blazed down the line in 3.65 seconds on a drag bunt and then immediately swiped second base. He also turned a soft single into an easy double thanks to his 80 speed. Hamilton also punched out twice, though. The junior’s power is to his pull side, and at times his knowledge of that can get him in trouble, which shows in his shoulders and bat path. That being said, he seems more sure of himself and stepped into the box with confidence consistently, which showed in his takes and aggressive swings. Defensively, Hamilton showed his impressive instincts and athleticism when he chased down a soft pop fly that dropped into shallow center field, and without hesitating, he fielded and fired a bullet towards home to easily get an aggressive runner. However, Hamilton’s arm remains inconsistent; at times, he lets loose quick a quick arm that generates carry and accuracy, and other times routine throws can prove difficult as he can lack the same type of action and conviction. (McComas)

8-20-2018: Scouts face a dilemma with Hamilton. Is he the much improved hitter that he showed at Texas (.291/.404/.445) this spring, or is he the guy who struggled for hard contact in the Cape (.200/.349/.240) this summer? At five-foot-eleven, 170 pounds he has gotten stronger since his prep days, but at the plate he showed very little pop with wood and did not handle velocity well on my looks. Minimal separation into a loopy, uphill swing. Also, very little use of his lower half as he instead prefers to be quick out of the box and utilize his plus speed. Ran a 4.12 down the line on a groundout to second base. Good base running instincts as he displayed stealing third base on my look and 11 for Y-D this summer. Was also 31-for-38 this past spring with the Longhorns. Defensively, there are more questions after his play this summer. Committed eight errors in 17 games on the grass of Red Wilson field while committing only 11 in over 300 chances on the turf of Disch-Falk this spring. It may just be a case of getting used to the grass again, as he Hamilton stayed back on too many ground balls this summer, something he can do and get away with more easily on turf. He’s a confident, aggressive defender with good hands. Quick, yet smooth actions and as much range as him arm allows. Showed plus range of getting to balls with his quick feet and great anticipation as he reads swings very well. However, his actual range is inhibited by a lack of arm strength needed for the position to complete the play, especially in the six-hole and when on the move. His arm was average when he had time to set his feet and throw from a higher slot. However, when throwing on the move, Hamilton is forced to throw from a lower slot and rely much more on the strength alone of his arm. His arm does show less shoulder stiffness than from when thrown from the higher slot, but it’s below average from down there. His accuracy is hindered as the ball has little carry, causing it to sink and tail. Unless his arm strength continues to improve, a move to second base is likely at the next level. Overall, with the combination of his tools, baseball skills and makeup, Hamilton could be highly considered for the early rounds on Day Two this June, especially by a couple clubs who have shown strong interest since his high school days. (Seifert)