Senior infielder Anthony Hatch was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 13th round on the first day of the 2005 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Tuesday.Hatch, the 386th overall pick, said he was not surprised the Blue Jays chose him because they were one of the teams that expressed interest in him. He said considering his broken hamate bone at the end of March ended his season, he is happy where he was drafted.

“It’s a dream come true,” Hatch said. “A lot of guys in my situation don’t go on the first day. It’s a dream come true, and it’s finally here. The last few months have been pretty hard. I’m happy with 13.”

Hatch said he started working out again about two weeks ago, and his wrist is improving weekly. He said he would be ready in about two weeks.

Although he has not signed a contract yet, Hatch said more than likely he will and skip a possible medical redshirt season with the Colonels in 2006.

“I haven’t signed a contract yet. More than likely I’m going to sign, but my redshirt papers are still going through just in case.”

As far as when negotiations will begin, Hatch said he expected them to start as early as yesterday.

“Their guys are involved in the draft, and then they’ll worry about signing people,” he said. “I have to wait until the guy from the (Louisiana) area gets back here.”

As of press time, Hatch’s teammate, senior outfielder Bubba Bell, had not been selected in the draft.