The chatter about the Reds outfield situation continues. Trent says:
Another interesting tidbit is that Narron said he and Josh Hamilton have been meeting halfway between their hometowns in North Carolina, in a town called Smithfield, to work out several times a week.
"It's been a lot of fun watching him," Narron said. "He's a tremendous athlete. He's got great bat speed. The one thing that's really hurt him is he hasn't played the last couple of years. It's going to be a huge adjustment for him and hopefully he makes our ballclub."
Narron said his plan is to play Hamilton nearly every day and get him about 80-100 at-bats in the spring, no matter how he does. He'll also play him in all three outfield positions.
"There are very few players in the major leagues with the kind of talent he has," Narron said. "But when you haven't played above (Class) A ball, it's a huge challenge for him."
Everyone who commented on that seems to think Hamilton will make the team, no matter how he plays, because of his close relationship with Narron and his great potential. I find that hard to believe. The guy certainly does have talent, but there's a reason the Rays didn't protect him: they knew he wouldn't be able to stick in a major league roster. Most Rule 5 draftees end up being returned to their former teams, and that seems the most likely outcome here, too. There really aren't any spare roster spots on an NL team. I think the Reds are just hoping he comes through, knowing it's a one in a million long shot. If it doesn't work out, it didn't cost them much.
