USF junior Addison Maruszak, drafted by the New York Yankees in the 17th round Friday, has signed a pro contract with the team and won't return for his senior season with the Bulls.

"It's awesome. It's a dream come true," said Maruszak, who earned second-team All-Big East honors this season.

Maruszak said he expects to report to Staten Island, where the Yankees have a short-season rookie-league team that begins its season next week. Maruszak's roommate at USF the last two years, outfielder Mike Consolmagno, is from Staten Island, so he'll have a familiar face around town this summer. Speculation had Maruszak being converted to a catcher because of his strong arm, but he said Monday that the Yankees haven't discussed any positions besides shortstop.

Maruszak said he's been listening to Yankees stories from USF volunteer assistant Tino Martinez the last two seasons, so the chance to be playing in pinstripes himself is still unbelievable for him.

"Tino tells amazing stories about the Yankees," he said. "They have such great coaches and great players. I couldn't ask for anything more than this."

Another USF junior drafted last week, right-hander Daniel Thomas, said he expects to hear from the Oakland Athletics in the next few days and could be signed by the end of the week. And left-handed reliever David Torcise, the only USF senior drafted last week, said Monday he'll be meeting Tuesday in Sarasota with representatives of the Cincinnati Reds, who selected him in the 47th round. Torcise said he had filled out a questionnaire with the Reds but was still surprised when they drafted him.

"It was a nice surprise. I'm very excited," said Torcise, who expects to sign Tuesday but doesn't know yet where he'll report for the Reds.