First Day MLB Draft

Third baseman Kainoa Obrey is the first BYU player taken in the 2003 major league baseball draft, but two other Cougar signees were also drafted Tuesday.

Obrey, a junior from Honolulu, Hawai`i, was drafted in the 13th round by the St. Louis Cardinals as the 28th pick of that round, the 395th player taken overall.

November signees Drew Larson and Aaron Jensen were drafted in the ninth and 19th rounds, respectively. Larson, a shortstop/third baseman from Salt Lake Community College, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. Jensen, a pitcher from Springville High, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners.

"I talked with Jensen and he indicated he is still coming to our program, so I'm excited to add him to our staff, " said BYU Coach Vance Law. "We are happy for Kainoa and hope it is a good situation for him. We don't know yet on Larson's status, he's a solid player and we will miss his ability if he signs."

Obrey was drafted last year in the 11th round by the Kansas City Royals during his medical redshirt season. He batted .362 this past season, with 72 hits, 24 doubles, and 65 RBI.

Larson batted .361 with 52 hits as a first-team all-region performer for the Bruins this past season, including nine doubles, five triples, four homers and 33 of 35 in stolen bases.

Jensen's 90 mph fastball helped Springville to the 4-A state baseball title with an 11-1 record, 110 strikeouts in 77 innings and a 1.09 ERA as a senior.