Yankees drafting of Rochester shortstop is a dream come true

We don't get too many kids from the Rochester area drafted by Major League Baseball teams, so it was great to hear that Irondequoit High School shortstop Chris "Cito'' Culver was taken by the Yankees with the 32nd pick of the first round.

I've always contended that a lot of baseball prospects from the Northeast get overlooked because they don't play year-round the way kids from warmer climes do.

Culver, a switch-hitter who batted .561 with 9 home runs and 38 RBI in 66 at-bats this spring, is considered a reach by many scouting services. And the pick already has elicited scores of skeptical comments on Yankee-related website chat rooms. I suspect, though, that the potential of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle also would have been roundly questioned had the Internet existed during their day.

The Yankees have had Culver on their radar screen for more than a year, and his play in travel tournaments around the country during that time convinced them that he has the potential to become a big-leaguer.

It's cool that he's followed the team since he was 3. Who knows, maybe one day his other dream of replacing Derek Jeter at shortstop will come true, too?

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I keep hearing rumors that Bills discontented running back Marshawn Lynch is going to be traded. Which begs the questions: Who would give up more than a few tackling dummies for him at this point? If I'm a team even moderately interested in him, I'd take my chances that the Bills will release him.

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Speaking of Marshawn, did you see where Bills safety Donte Whitner called Lynch the most talented back in football? Methinks, Whitner is delusional. Perhaps they should check him to see if he is suffering lingering effects from an undiagnosed concussion. It's time for Whitner - another first-round bust - to start making plays instead of foolish statements.

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The Professional Football Writers of America have named Drew Brees winner of the organization's "Good Guy Award.'' Based on my dealings with the Saints quarterback at the recently Rochester Press-Radio Club's Day of Champions Children's Charities Dinner, I think it was a great choice. He received my PFWA vote, and that was before I even met him.