After four straight college picks, the Yankees decided to go with high school third baseman Donny Sands out of Salpointe Catholic High School in Arizona in the eighth round. The six-foot-two, 190-pounder is a right-handed hitter who won 2015 West Region honors and 2013 Underclass High Honorable Mention. He was previously worked out by the Yankees and scouts loved what he showed them, not just with the bat and glove, but also his approach, work ethic, and competitiveness. The Tigers and Rockies were also looking into him.
Sands projects to be a shortstop at the next level, but can play either middle infield position with ease. He has "smooth feet, soft hands and pop in his bat makes for the possibility of his name being called within the first 10 rounds." The Yankees reportedly notified him to be ready between rounds 6-15. Perhaps he's someone the Yankees are high on and are hoping to use some money they have saved in previous rounds to sign Sands away from his New Mexico commitment.
He was also a pitcher in high school and grew up as a Derek Jeter fan, so that's good to see. Sands joins Drew Finley as the only other high school pick the Yankees have taken so far this year.