All Things Bubba

Shocking and tragic news coming from California today. Angels top prospect Nick Adenhart was killed in a car crash only a few hours after pitching six shutout innings. He was a passenger in a car hit by a minivan that ran a red light. Two other people in the car were also killed. The driver of the minivan, a 22-year-old man driving under the influence and with a suspended license, fled the scene but was later apprehended. He may face murder charges. (Joba Chamberlain might want to take note.)

I didn't "know" Adenhart, not even as a fan. He was a prospect just making the transition to the show, and I don't particularly follow the Angels or their farm system. But for some reason, I find his death more upsetting than Cory Lidle's or Josh Hancock's. He was so young - just 22. His future seemed so bright. Many expected him to be the Angels' ace one day, and being in the big leagues at such a tender age, he seemed well on his way. He was by all accounts a nice guy, humble, down to earth and well-liked. And, so far as we know, he wasn't doing anything that put him in harm's way. We still don't know if he was wearing a seatbelt, and I suppose being on the road at midnight could also be considered a hazard, but aside from that, he wasn't doing anything that put him at risk. The guy seemed to have it all...then it was gone, in an instant. It just seems so random, and so unfair.

Tonight's Angel's game has been canceled. There was a moment of silence before the games that were played today. Even the legendarily tough Scott Boras was left in tears.

MLB.com has already updated his player page to list his status as "deceased."

Rest in peace, Nick.