Giants prospects OK after crash

Photo via AZ Family. azfamily.com

In a scary moment early Tuesday, several outlets – including ATF’s own Denise Walos – relayed the news that several San Francisco Giants prospects had been involved and possibly injured in an automobile accident in Scottsdale, AZ.

At least one involved in the accident was reported as critically injured, but that ended up being false.  Well wishes and prayers poured in across the Twittersphere as fear and anticipation mounted.

As it turned out, right-handed pitcher Jeff Soptic, lefty Bryce Bandilla, righty Daniel Slania, lefty Adalberto Mejia and infielder Kelby Tomlinson were all treated and released from a local hospital after suffering minor injuries in the two-car crash.  As many as 12 Giants’ prospects were in the van.

News of the outcome of the crash trickled in slowly, but thankfully everyone is alright.  Giants’ prospects weighed in on the matter on Twitter, helping to put everyone at ease.

The accident happened while a team van was pulling out of their hotel, transporting the players to their first day of non-40 man roster conditioning camp, according to multiple sources.  Several top prospects were on hand.

“We met with the guys who are here and you can imagine everyone is pretty shaken up,” San Francisco minor league coach Derin McMains said, according to Andrew Baggarly at CSN Bay Area. “You try to figure out how some good can come of this. You see how quickly everything can be taken from you.”

And yes, the driver of the car that collided with the van was reportedly unharmed as well.  Crisis averted it would seem.

San Francisco already took a hit just a few short weeks ago in the prospect development department when 14th ranked prospect Gustavo Cabrera nearly had his hand severed in an accident at his Dominican Republic home.  He too will be ok, but the rehab process will take some time for the 17-year old.

The “mini Giants” have had a rough go of it lately; stay safe fellas.