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Date of Birth: August 26, 1992 in Rochester, NY
Height/Weight: 6'0", 185 lbs.
Position: Shortstop
Bats: Switch
Cito Culver was called an overdraft the moment he was selected in the first round last year. There were four reasons the Yankees selected him with the 32nd overall pick: 1) He hails from Rochester, so we can assume the Yankees got a very good look at him (being so close), 2) he was "signable," inking a "slot" contract quick enough to play 56 minor league games, 3) they didn't think he would last until their next pick (no. 82), and 4) he was very young (he didn't turn 18 until late August).
In his senior year of high school he batted .561 with 10 doubles, five triples and nine home runs. He led his school to the county title and was named an All-American. His favorite team is the Yankees and he was called the third best shortstop in New York state by Baseball America.
The 17-year-old posted respectable numbers considering he jumped right from high school to pro-ball: .251/.325/.330 between the Gulf Coast League and the New York-Pennsylvania League. He stole seven bases in 11 attempts, K'ed 51 times against 21 walks, and had a fielding percentage of .912, committing 19 errors.
His biggest strength is his arm. He hit 95 MPH as a pitcher, but the Yankees saw him more as a "thrower." Playing shortstop will still allow him to show his impressive arm strength.
If I had to pick someone in the organization to take over for Jeter in 3-4 years, it would be Culver. Some think he profiles better as a centerfielder, but he hasn't played a single professional inning there. It will be interesting to see whether he sees time at other positions this year. Look for him to start with the Staten Island Yankees. They'll take it slow with Culver considering his age.
ETA: Debuts in 2014 as the utility infielder/pinch-runner, and is named the starting shortstop in 2015 when Derek Jeter gets his plaque in Monument Park.
A plethora of scouting reports...
And video...