Grades

Rated on 20-80 Scouting Scale -- All Scores are Projected Ratings

Hit for Average: 50

Though he's only hitting .253 right now in Low-A, I still think once he learns to make adjustments at the plate more quickly, he'll eventually hit consistently around the .275-.290 range.

Hit for Power: 70

The ball seems to "jump" off his bat and even seems to make a different sound on contact.

Running: 45

He does appear to "lumber" around the bases at times, but still moves fairly well for his size.

Fielding: 60

Despite just being moved from 3rd base to 1st base this season, his defensive skills seemed to translate fairly well.

Throwing: 65

Obviously arm strength isn't a necessary tool for 1st base, but accuracy is...and Villalona, although committing a throwing error at the game we attended, the pitcher was late getting over, so it wasn't all his fault.

Overall: 58

Angel Villalona: Scouting Report

Bonus Baby Holding His Own in Low-A

Angel Villalona Only 17 years old, and already the #1 rated prospect in the San Francisco Giants organization, Angel Villalona, certainly isn't short on "upside" or "tools".

Already standing 6'3" and 200+ lbs., Villalona possesses the body of a much older and developed ballplayer, but still has room to fill out as he matures in the coming seasons.

We spent about 4 hours on the road, and braved unseasonably cold & wet weather to see Villalona and his Augusta GreenJackets take on the Lexington Legends at Applebee's Park, in a South Atlantic League match-up.

For the game, "Big V" finished 2-for-4, with a 2b, Home Run (grand slam), 5 RBI's, and 1 error. He definitely possesses some very "raw" abilities -- especially his power. The ball just jumps off his bat, but will have to "shorten" his swing a bit as it seems to be "long" at times, equalling a decent amount of strikeouts in his future.

However, all-in-all, I thought "Big V" lived up to his hype on this day. He's certainly got a long way to go to reaching the majors, but definitely has all the "tools" to be a very successful first baseman for the Giants someday. I could definitely see him becoming a .275/30/100 guy.