Billy Hamilton is the fastest player in the game.  There’s really no disputing it, at this point.  In his first 51 games at High-A, Hamilton has 60 steals.  Over his last ten games, he’s been on a bit of a rampage, swiping 20 bags (!!!) and putting himself in position to surpass 100 steals before July.  Now that’s just plain silly.  Hamilton tallied 103 in a full season at Low-A Dayton in 2011, and people thought that was ridiculous.  And while there’s no denying the truly remarkable nature of what he’s accomplishing this year, it’s important to keep in mind the other end of this equation:  the opposing defenses.  I absolutely believe that Hamilton is the fastest dude in baseball, at any level.  That speed, however, is only being tested by A-Ball defenses.  Pitchers are slower to the plate, catchers misfire to second, infielders are sloppy with tags.  Watch any highlight reel of his, and you’ll see what I mean.  Not to suggest that his wheels won’t translate as he climbs the ladder — he’ll be stealing plenty of bags when he arrives in the bigs with the Reds.  But, don’t expect this kind of absurdity on the basepaths.