Yankees Sign Top Pick Dante Bichette Jr.

The Yankees announced today that they signed Dante Bichette Jr., their Supplemental Round draft pick. Bichette, drafted as a third baseman, was signed for a slightly above slot $750,000 bonus.

Bichette was taken 51st overall by the Yankees, and has already reported to the team's Spring Training facility in Tampa, Florida.

Bichette was considered one of the top prep power hitters in the country. His power potential will play from a corner infield spot, something the Yankees currently lack in their minor league system.

When he is assigned, he will report to the Yankees' Gulf Coast League affiliate.

Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees' VP of Amateur Scouting, had this to say about the pick and signing:

We were excited to be able to draft Dante and are even more excited to get him signed. Coming to an agreement this quickly will allow Dante to get a full season under his belt in 2011, and gets him ahead of the curve in many ways.

Dante led his high school team to the Florida Class-2A state finals, hitting .640 with 10 homers and 40 RBI in just 30 games.