Nick Adenhart Killed in Car Accident

Nick Adenhart, a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, was killed early Thursday morning due to a car accident. Adenhart was the Angels' top prospect (as rated by Baseball America), and had joined the Angels ballclub as a starter and injury fill in.

Just hours after pitching a great game against the division rival Oakland Athletics, Adenhart was killed at an intersection in Fullerton, California. Two other people who were in the car with him were also killed at the scene. A minivan had run a red light, and crashed into the side of the vehicle that Adenhart was riding in.

Adenhart was rushed to the University of California: Irvine Medical Center, and was given surgery. He was pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of his injuries.

Adenhart's death sent shock waves all throughout the league. Several players and managers commented on Adenhart's death, calling it tragic and horrible. The Angels themselves were also in shock.

Nick Adenhart was selected by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 2004 MLB Draft. He was chosen in the 14th round. Baseball America immediately caught on to Adenhart, who was surging through the Angels' organization. He quickly became one of their top prospects.

Adenhart made his Major League Baseball debut against the Oakland Athletics about one year ago, on May 1, 2008. For his career, he only was able to amass one victory. In his start last night against Oakland, he appeared to have been well positioned to receive a win, but he lost his chance to win upon Brian Fuentes' blown save. Adenhart did not have many significant innings for the Angels in 2008.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have a glaring need at the starting pitching position, as three of their regular starters (Ervin Santana, John Lackey, and Kelvim Escobar) are all out with injuries. Adenhart was going to be a big contributor for them this season in that regard.

This is a tragic loss for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Seeing that Adenhart was their top prospect, they will have to look to other options and draft well to replace their top guy. The Oakland Athletics now look like the clear favorite to win the AL West, especially if their pitching can continue to develop at a rapid rate.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090409&content_id=4188968&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb