2011 Draft: Yankees sign sixth rounder Jake Cave

August 15, 2011 by Mike Axisa 22 Comments

Update (11:14pm): Via Jim Callis, the Yankees signed Cave for $825k. That’s the largest bonus they’ve officially given out this year, surpassing the $750k they gave Dante Bichette Jr.

Original Post (11:34am): Via Jon Heyman, the Yankees are close to signing sixth round pick Jake Cave. Cave, a high school outfielder from Virginia, was the 209th overall pick and the 182nd best prospect in the draft according to Baseball America. In their subscriber-only scouting report, they say “he shows bat speed, but he has a loop in his swing that could be a long-term problem.” They also say he figures to be stuck in a corner spot down the road. Cave is also a legit prospect as a left-handed pitcher, but the Yankees announced him as an outfielder during the draft. He’ll certainly get an over-slot bonus.

al

Why not allow him to be a pitcher/phenom first, and then convert him into a power-hitting outfielder once he loses his control out of nowhere?
- Accent Shallow
  
  From what I’ve heard, it’s a lot easier to go position player -> pitcher than it is pitcher -> position player.
  
  It’s very tough to take years off from facing live pitching and resume a hitting career.
  
  Of course, that’s just the CW. But how many position players in the bigs started off pitching and converted, as opposed to the other way ’round? I’d bet there are dozens of converted OFs and SSs in bullpens alone.
Danny

Not bad, we got 8 out of top 10 round picks signed plus James, Davis & Sharp.In addition, it looks like Camerana has agreed to a deal. Would be nice if we could get Maher,McCue or Janisse signed, but still a good haul of some talented players.
pat

He was ripping up his wood bat summer league. I think I read somewhere that he was the only rising freshman in league history.
- Reggie C.
  
  This brought a smile to my face. Wood bat success against older competition is nice to hear.
- Chris
  
  The summer league instituted a new rule allowing incoming freshman this year. He was one of a few and had a really good year. He had the opportunity to play with kids older than he was.
  - pat
    
    Well there you go. Thank you for the clarification.
MattG

Is is cAv or cah-vey?
- https://twitter.com/TheRealJeromeS Jerome S.
  
  Caiv
Chris

Allowing incoming Freshman is a way to compete with the Cape Cod League. All incoming freshman have to sign two-year contracts with their summer team as opposed to one-year contracts with everyone in college.
Danny

KendallRogersPG Kendall Rogers
the #yankees have agreed to terms with 20th-rdr and #usd signee daniel camarena. Told for around $335k. #mlbdraft #mlb #nyy

https://twitter.com/#!/KendallRogersPG
- Zach
  
  That seems like a deal for the Yankees, but I know nothing.
Bob Michaels

Let`s here about a few more.
- Mister Delaware
  
  Where?
Jimmy McNulty

Left handed Casey Kelly?
- William Rawls
  
  Damn you McNulty. There can only be one Casey Kelly.
  - Mister Delaware
    
    And its unfair to expect Casey Kelly to be Casey Kelly.
    - William Rawls
      
      Well now, of course.
jon

nice
pat

I’m no swing expert,but I’m not seeing the “loop” that is referred to.
bob

The only loop he has is in the j in his first name on that contract !
boogie down

Here’s hoping this troglodytic bastard’s the real deal!