June 4, 2003

In the 2003 Major League Draft, professional teams picked up five Florida Atlantic University baseball players. Three seniors and a two juniors will have the opportunity to continue their baseball careers with the Blue Jays, Mariners, Marlins, Angels and Giants.

A senior from Pembroke Pines, FL, Danny Core was picked up in the seventh round by the Toronto Blue Jays. Core was the Friday night starter for FAU and finished the season with a 3.31 ERA in 106 innings. He led the team with 98 strikeouts and was named Second Team All-Conference.

Mike Cox (Sarasota, FL) posted 29 home runs in two seasons at FAU. The senior also used great defense play to attract he Mariners who picked up the senior in the tenth round with the 296th pick.

The first junior to be drafted was Chris Pillsbury. A right-handed pitcher from Jacksonville, FL, he filled two roles on the pitching staff this season. He worked effectively as a starter and finished the season as the team's closer. The Marlins selected Pillsbury in the 13th round.

The Angels picked up Matt Pali in the 17th round. The senior outfielder from Houston, TX finished the season third on the team with a .345 batting average, 10 home runs and 46 RBIs.

Left-handed pitcher, Travis NeSmith was selected by the Giants on the second day of the draft in the 33rd round. The junior from Miami, FL held a 7-2 record with a 3.92 ERA.

Over the past five seasons, Florida Atlantic has had 30 players drafted.