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February 25, 2008

Future Shock

Giants Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Angel Villalona, 3B/1B
Four-Star Prospects
2. Henry Sosa, RHP
Three-Star Prospects
3. Tim Alderson, RHP
4. Madison Bumgarner, LHP
5. Wendell Fairly, OF
6. Nick Noonan, SS/2B
7. Nate Schierholtz, OF
Two-Star Prospects
8. John Bowker, OF
9. Pablo Sandoval, C
10. Clayton Tanner, LHP
11. Charlie Culberson, SS/2B

Just Missing: Wilber Bucardo, RHP; Manny Burriss, SS; Eugenio Velez, UT

1. Angel Villalona, 3B/1B
DOB: 8/13/90
Height/Weight: 6-3/200
Bats/Throws: R/R
Acquired: NDFA, 2006, Dominican Republic
2007 Stats: .285/.344/.450 at Rookie-level (52 G); .167/.231/.167 at Short-season (5 G)

Year In Review: Seen by some as the best pure Latin American hitter in years, the 16-year-old looked to be worth every penny of his $2.1 million bonus in his pro debut.
The Good: For a 17-year-old, Villalona's offensive potential is nearly off the charts. His raw power is nearly unseen in a teenager, but he's also an adept hitter with excellent bat control, and many international evaluators specifically noted his mature approach and excellent pitch recognition. He's an average runner, and his top non-hitting tool is a plus-plus arm.
The Bad: Young and massive, Villalona is far from done growing, and will likely play his way off of third base in short order. It's not a long-term concern, as the bat will play anywhere, but it does reduce his value a bit. His fielding, baserunning, and feel for the game are all a bit raw, but not especially so for his age and experience.
Fun Fact: Villalona has an early sense of the Bay Area rivalry, as in seven games against the Arizona Rookie League Athletics, he went 14-for-31 (.452) with seven extra-base hits.
Perfect World Projection: An impact middle-of-the-order run producer.
Timetable: Villalona is already getting work at first base in spring training, and the Giants are considering making the move across the diamond now to avoid any distractions from his offensive development. He'll make his full-season debut in Low-A--he doesn't turn 18 until August.

2. Henry Sosa, RHP
DOB: 7/28/85
Height/Weight: 6-2/185
Bats/Throws: R/R
Acquired: NDFA, 2004, Dominican Republic
2007 Stats: 0.73 ERA at Low-A (62-30-25-61); 4.38 ERA at High-A (63.2-66-36-78)