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Three Reds in GCL top 20.

Baseball America began its rankings of the top 20 players in the various minor leagues with the GCL. The Reds are well represented, with three players. Philadelphia, with four players, was the only organization with more.

Shortstop Billy Hamilton came in at No. 13. BA was impressed with his speed, arm and defense -- he led all GCL shortstops with a .955 fielding percentage. BA reported that Hamilton's switch-hitting is progressing, but he needs work on plate discipline. He struck out 47 times and walked 11. Hamilton's line was 0-11-.205 .253 .277 with 13 stolen bases in 16 attempts in 166 at bats. He is one of the faster runners in all of baseball.

Outfielder Yorman Rodriguez comes in at No. 16. BA loves Rodrguez's athletic ability, arm and smooth actions, but wonders if he'll hit. Rodriguez went 0-2-.274 .347 .421 and was 5-for-5 in stolen bases in 84 at bats before being promoted to Billings.

Rounding out the top 20 is personal favorite Daniel "Thundering" Tuttle, who drew praise for the armside run on his fastball, which sat in the 89-91 range while jumping to 94 once in a while. BA says Tuttle's off-speed stuff needs refinement, which a more consistent release point could help. Tuttle went 1-2 with a 1.67 ERA. In 9 games, 7 starts, and 32 innings, Tuttle struck out 30, walked 10 and gave up 32 hits. Foes batted .258.

Rookie league rankings often don't amount to much. Just two of the top 10 GCL players from five years ago hasvereached the majors and neither was in the top two. With that in mind, what's your ever-loving opinion on these guys?

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