TAMPA — USF junior shortstop Addison Maruszak, drafted by the Yankees in the 17th round Friday, said he signed a pro contract with the team Monday and won't return for his senior season with the Bulls.
"It's awesome. It's a dream come true," said Maruszak, a three-year starter who earned second-team All-Big East honors this season.
Maruszak, a St. Petersburg Catholic graduate, said he expects to report to Staten Island, where the Yankees have a short-season rookie-league team that begins its season next week. Speculation had Maruszak being converted to a catcher because of his strong arm, but he said the Yankees haven't discussed any positions besides shortstop.
USF senior reliever David Torcise, a 47th-round pick by the Reds, said he expects to sign today when he meets with team officials in Sarasota.
LSU, FRESNO STATE ADVANCE: Ryan Schimpf homered twice and had five RBIs and Blake Dean went 5-for-5 with three RBIs as host LSU beat UC Irvine 21-7 in a Super Region matchup to earn a trip to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. The Tigers open against North Carolina. Fresno State completed the CWS field with a 12-9 victory over host Arizona State.
PAC-10 COMMISSIONER RESIGNS: Tom Hansen, 70, said he will retire in July 2009, describing his 26-year stay atop the conference as "a wonderful run." Under Hansen, the conference won more than 200 national titles. Possible replacements: Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby, WAC commissioner Karl Benson, Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson and ex-Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg.
BASKETBALL: Morakinyo Williams, a 6-foot-11 center who was one of Kentucky's top recruits a year ago but wasn't happy about playing time, is transferring to Duquesne. He must sit out a season. … Bob Burton, who led Cal State Fullerton to its first NCAA Tournament in 30 years, signed a five-year extension. … Brown named assistant Jesse Agel its head coach. He replaces Craig Robinson, who left for Oregon State. … Joe McKeown, who got most of his 509 career wins during 19 years at George Washington, was named Northwestern women's coach.
Information from Times wires was used in this report.
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