Farm report: Cito Culver

Yankees first-round draft pick Cito Culver, taken 32nd overall, signed as soon as he graduated from West Irondequoit High School in Rochester, enabling him to start his professional career almost immediately.

The Yankees assigned the shortstop, who turns 18 later this month, to the Gulf Coast League, and he's gotten off to a decent enough start. Entering last night, the switch-hitting Culver was hitting .276 with a .336 on-base percentage in 33 games. He had 29 strikeouts and 12 walks.

In high school, Culver's arm was considered his strength. The Yankees aren't looking at him as a pitcher, but some scouts were reported to have seen him throw up to 94 mph off the mound. Scouts have said he has a ways to go before becoming a consistent defender. Of course, he's still just 17.