The Yankees drafted the young Kyle Higashioka out of Edison High School in California in the seventh round of the 2008 draft. He had committed to UC-Berkeley and was ticketed to be their catcher if he could not come to an agreement with the Yankees.

The Yankees brought Higashioka into the clubhouse to see what it was all about. Soon after, he signed with the team for a $400,000 bonus, way above slot for a seventh round pick.

Coming out of high school, Higashioka prided himself on calling a good game behind the plate and considered himself a defense-minded catcher. Others, including the Yankees, didn't think that was all there was to Kyle's game.

Dave Keith, scout who watched Higashioka in high school agreed about his defensive prowess, but also didn't think his bat should be undersold. He went on to say that "Kyle can really swing the bat" and that "he's got the whole package." There was a lot to like about the young right handed hitter coming out of high school with tremendous character.

The 6'1" catcher ended up getting into a bit of game action as an 18-year-old in 2008, but didn't have much success in 50 plate appearances. His bat drew comparisons to Austin Romine's within the Yankees organization, even though he didn't show the raw power that Romine possesses. It seemed that while Higashioka considered himself a defensive star, the Yankees liked more of what they saw in his bat.

In 2009, the Yankees sent Higashioka to extended spring training and then to play in Staten Island. He played the entire season there as the team's primary starting catcher. His .253/.333/.332 line didn't do much to impress, but his approach remained very strong.

Even as he struggled at the plate, Higashioka walked 26 times while striking out 31 times. The absolute lack of power that Higashioka showed is a bit troublesome, but he was just 19 for the season, so he still has time to develop some power. It's also important to keep in mind where he was playing. The average hitter in the New York-Penn League put together a .245/.320/.350 batting line, meaning Higashioka was no worse than average.

Kyle Higashioka's great approach at the plate pretty much guarantees that his hitting will improve in upcoming seasons. His plate discipline is his best hitting tool, and others should soon follow.

Defensively, Higashioka is good, but not on the level of a Francisco Cervelli. His arm is merely average, but he is agile and does a great job of limiting passed balls and wild pitches. For what it's worth, he's also known as a leader and good game-caller. An interesting tidbit that shows how devoted Higashioka is to being a good defensive catcher is that he has been studying spanish in an an attempt to become fluent, feeling that will help him develop stronger rapports with the spanish-speaking pitchers.

Because of his advanced approach and defense, Higashioka will definitely start 2010 in full season ball. I'd like to see him spend the entire season in Charleston, but I wouldn't rule out seeing him in Tampa at some point.

Picture from TriStar Productions