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Yanks like athleticism in fourth-round pick Wade

Wade played his way up Draft boards after an excellent senior season at Murrieta Valley High School in California, and it showed as the Yankees drafted him in the fourth round of the First-Year Player Draft on Friday.

The shortstop hit a red-hot .524 on the year and impressed scouts with his speed and athleticism. Wade will need to put on some muscle before he can make a big league roster, but at 6-foot-2, 178 pounds, he has the frame to do it.

Wade hit well all spring, utilizing his natural line-drive stroke at the top of the lineup. He had just one home run during his senior season and likely will never be a power hitter, but the long ball isn't part of his game. What attracts scouts to Wade is his speed, which could translate well at the top of the lineup at the professional level.

Defensively, Wade has convinced scouts he can play shortstop in the big leagues. He has good range and an above-average throwing arm. Wade committed to San Diego State before his senior season.

Josh Vitale is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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