He was becoming the Giants' most prized prospect, appearing in a Futures Game in 2008 at the age of 18. His strong build with above average power gives him tremendous upside, not to mention a good work ethic that keeps him in shape. Angel Villalona was rated the number 33 best overall prospect by Baseball America, the youngest prospect on the list. The 6-foot-3, 200 pound first baseman was causing some Giants fans to think that he could be the future face of the organization.
Villalona gave the Giants a reason not to stress about their lack of a legitimate first baseman, biding time with former prospect Travis Ishikawa and other short-term replacements. They anticipated Villalona reporting to Instructional League this week, participating in on-field exercises this Wednesday. However, Villalona became the prime suspect in the murder of a 25-year old man and could face up to 20 years in prison, putting his baseball career in serious jeporady.
Villalona will spend the next two months behind bars awaiting trial, and it is unlikely he will be allowed to train or do anything baseball related while he waits.
A sad story which seriously has changed the course of his life and the future of the Giants organization.