VIDEO: Yankees Officially Sign First-Round Pick Anthony Volpe

Anthony Volpe is officially a New York Yankee! The Delbarton High School shortstop, originally committed to play at Vanderbilt University before general manager Brian Cashman spent the club's first pick (No. 30 overall) on him, signed with the organization on Monday.

Following his selection in last week's draft, the New Jersey native proceeded to cap his high school career by helping Delbarton win a state title.

While Volpe oozes potential, however, the Yanks received a little backlash from the media and fans after they selected the youngster, the No.63 overall prospect in the pool, in the first round.

Regardless, Monday should absolutely be considered a win for both sides. The Pinstripes signed a player who batted .468 over four years at Delbarton, amassing 87 hits (31 of which were extra-base knocks) with emerging power.

Could New York have selected a player with a much higher ceiling at 30? Definitely. And a few years grooming at a college powerhouse like Vanderbilt wouldn't have hurt either.

But at the end of the day, the club has their hands on a local kid who's always dreamt of playing for the Bronx Bombers. And perhaps this early signing could convince ace prep pitcher Jack Leiter to shirk his Vandy commitment as well to rejoin his high school teammate and close friend? The financials might make very little sense, but a fan can dream.