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Top prospect Hamilton impresses Baker

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- It's still early in Spring Training, but Reds manager Dusty Baker has been pleased with what he's seen from center-field prospect Billy Hamilton.

Hamilton started Sunday's game vs. the Indians and made a couple of catches in the outfield. It wasn't exactly routine conditions, as 25-30 mph winds made tracking fly balls more difficult.

"He looked good. Unless they mess up, they're doing good," Baker said on Monday. "I'm pleasantly surprised at the routes he's taken in the short period of time I've seen him. He's been working hard with [coaches Billy Hatcher] and Eric Davis and Darren Bragg. It helps to be around other good outfielders, to hear them talk. Most of instruction is about listening and communication."

Hamilton, the organization's top prospect, is in camp as a non-roster player. He's not expected to be Major League ready until either late this season or Opening Day 2014.