The Power of Speed: Hamilton Makes Presence Felt Early

Billy Hamilton has only been on the White Sox big league roster for two days this season. But that's all he has needed to make his presence felt.

Hamilton has been wreaking havoc on the base paths late in games, helping the White Sox snatch their first back-to-back wins and first series win of the season.

On Wednesday night Hamilton entered the game as a pinch runner in the bottom of the eighth inning after Yasmani Grandal singled to right field to open the inning. The White Sox were clinging to a one-run lead and in desperate need of an insurance run, given the shaky nature of the bullpen. A Hanser Alberto sacrifice bunt moved Hamilton into scoring position, and that's when the speedy 32-year-old went to work.

On a 2-2 count, he took off to steal third. Elvis Andrus hit a slow grounder to the right side of the infield. Twins second baseman Jorge Polanco had to run to his field to field the ball. By the time he reached it, Hamilton was already rounding third. As soon as Polanco threw it to first, Hamilton made a mad dash to the plate, sliding in head-first to pick up a much-needed insurance run.

There are few players in the league that could have made that play. This came just one night after Hamilton nearly scored the go-ahead run in the ninth inning after stealing second base and then advancing to third on another nice read on a ground ball to third base.

The White Sox were unable to take advantage of his pinch-running heroics in the ninth inning, but in back-to-back games, Hamilton has put pressure on the Twin's defense.

When the White Sox announced that Hamilton was getting recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, there was plenty of skepticism. Deservedly so. Hamilton was slashing just .188/.328/.271 Triple-A and the organization's top prospect, Oscar Colás, was sent down as a result.
But it's easy to forget that speed kills.

Even in his early 30s, his sprint speed still ranks in the 91st percentile of MLB players. In 11 seasons, Hamilton has amassed 325 stolen bases despite being a career .239 hitter. In the past four years alone, he has swiped 47 bags despite owning a .289 on-base percentage.

When Pedro Grifol does insert Hamilton into the game as a pinch runner, he is also getting an above-average defender in the outfield. The career journeyman owns a 73 Defensive Runs Saved rating, a 57.2 Ultimate Zone Rating, and 58 Outs Above Average in 6766 innings.

Since he is a liability at the plate, it will be hard to utilize him in any other role than a late-inning weapon off the bench. This could be an issue if more injuries arise in the outfield and he is forced to play regularly. But he is great for locker room vibes and making an early impact when he sees the field. It may be the rare instance that.