June 6, 2006

Two Florida Atlantic University baseball players were selected on the first day of the Major League draft on Tuesday. Mike McBryde and Mike Crotta were selected in the fifth and 17th rounds, respectively.

The San Francisco Giants selected McBryde in the fifth round. The Owls centerfielder and closer was the 146th overall pick and fifth pick of the Giants.

This season McBryde (N. Palm Beach, FL) only appeared in three games due to a hamstring injury after earning Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America Third Team recognition. He had a stellar season in 2005 and was named First Team All-Conference as an outfielder. He broke the FAU single season hits record with 98 in his sophomore campaign. His speed on the bases also led to 35 stolen bases to rank in the top-25 in the nation.

Along with his offensive ability, McBryde also worked his way on to the mound. After only seeing one inning as a freshman, he recorded 10 saves as a sophomore and held a 3.11 ERA. In his 37 2/3 innings he struck out 49 batters.

Crotta (Palm City, FL) was picked up by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 17th round. He has played several roles on the FAU pitching staff in his three-year career. In his freshman and sophomore seasons he started and pitched in middle relief before moving into the closing role in 2006. The right hander picked up six saves and struck out 45 in his 38 2/3 innings.

Three additional players that signed with the Owls for the 2007 season were selected on day one. Mike Barbara, a pitcher at St. Petersburg Community College was previously selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 41st round. This season he is a draft and follow selection of the Blue Jays.

Another junior college player, Ryan Ouellette is a right-handed pitcher from Indian River Community College. He was picked up the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round.

Park Vista High School senior Justin Dalles was a selection of the New York Mets in the 15th round. He is a catcher from Lake Worth, FL.

Day two of the draft will take place on Wednesday.