The San Francisco Giants were one of the last teams to submit their 40-man roster before the upcoming Rule 5 draft, making a number of intersting moves along the way. Giants brass decided to protect prospect Angel Villalona, fresh off dropping his lawsuit against the Giants and being cleared of murder charges in the Dominican Republic, and designating fan favorite Darren Ford for assignment.
The Black and Orange added six players to the 40-man roster, protecting them from being swooped by other teams in the Rule 5 draft:
Charlie Culberson (2B)
Tyler Graham (OF)
Daniel Otero (P)
Hector Correa (P)
Roger Kieschnick (OF)
Angel Villalona (IF)
The addition of Villalona was a bit off a head scratcher considering he hasn’t seen action in a professional game in over two years due to his then pending murder trial and didn’t have a valid work visa. The 21 year old obviously has something that the Giants want, and they must feel that he has a lot of progress to come along with his already present natural talent.
Pitcher Waldis Joaquin joined Darren Ford on the way out, though both could potentially re-sign with the Giants if they don’t attract much interest elsewhere. Waldis was actually claimed by the White Sox last season on waivers, but decided to resign with San Francisco. More likely they will be offered contracts from other minor league affiliates that could give them another (or better) shot at making the Show.
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