Houston Astros’ Delino Deshields Jr. Will Be Better Than Billy Hamilton

Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports

Delino Deshields Jr. is coming off a fantastic year not only because he put up spectacular numbers and served in the Futures game, but also because he was moved to the outfield to make his path to MLB easier. Now, comparisons are beginning to emerge between him and Cincinnati RedsBilly Hamilton.

And the verdict?

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Deshields projects as the better major league prospect. In a system chalk full of talent, it’s easy to lose someone like Deshields in the shadow of George Springer and Jonathan Singleton. In 2012, Hamilton shook the minor league world by stealing 150 bases. Well, Deshields notched 101, which is still an impressive number.

That said, the speed that Hamilton possesses is the only category where he outshines the Houston Astros prospect.

Deshields holds down every other aspect of the game from power to contact, from walks to OBP. He’s just the better overall player, and that’s not to take away from his speed, which is second only to Hamilton on numerous scouting reports.

The son of the former major leaguer by the same name is now on people’s radars, and his scouting report is continuously improving. He has now moved into conversations as being the next great leadoff man in the majors. He has even drawn comparisons to former Cleveland Indian‘s leadoff man Kenny Lofton.

As mentioned, Deshields is coming off a monster year in Single-A where he hit .317 with five home runs and 54 RBIs out of the leadoff spot. Deshields is not expected in the majors in 2014, but who knows — if he continues to see his stock rise, he may get some pro playing time towards the end of the year.

If there’s one certainty about the Astros, it’s that very little is certain.

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