Former Major Leaguers Dead in Car Crash

This is just disgusting news to wake up to as the entire baseball world is in shock and in mourning upon finding out former infielders Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo passed away in a tragic vehicle accident after a winter league game. Both played for the team on Thursday before the accident.

All three players were born in Venezuela.

Valbuena, an 11-year major league veteran, hit.199 with nine homers and 33 RBIs in 96 games this year for the Los Angeles Angels, who released him on August 7. He hit.199 with a.253 on-base percentage, a.335 slugging percentage, nine homers and 33 RBIs in 96 games for Los Angeles this year.

Univision Sports, citing sources close to the players, reported Valbuena, Castillo and another player, former major leaguer Carlos Rivero, were traveling in Valbuena's auto from Caracas' University Stadium to Barquisimento, where Lara is scheduled to play Friday and Saturday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this time of grief", the Angels said in a tweet.

The Cubs claimed the left-handed hitting Valbuena from the Blue Jays at the start of the 2012 season.

Castillo played four seasons with the Pirates, and last appeared in the majors in 2008 with the Houston Astros. Ex- Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Carlos Rivero was driving the auto and survived the accident. He recorded a.254 batting average with 39 home runs and 218 RBI during his career. He played this year for Tijuana in the Mexican League.