Don't be surprised if Dave Kaye is wearing a Toronto Blue Jays cap at his graduation party today. Kaye, Riverview's ace pitcher who struck out more batters than anyone in the WPIAL this season, was drafted last night by Toronto in the 30th round of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft. Kaye, who graduated from Riverview on Wednesday and has signed with Pitt, will wait to see what type of offer the Blue Jays make before he makes a decision. If he opts for Pitt -- even if attends one class there -- he will not be eligible to be drafted again until his junior year. If he signs with Toronto, he loses his scholarship. "We were all in front of the computer; glued to it," said Kaye, a 6-foot-2 right-hander. "Then, my named popped up on the screen and it was unbelievable. I had an idea I might get picked because I got a call (from Toronto) telling me to keep watching." Riverview coach Rich Griser said the key to Kaye getting drafted was the fact he developed a third pitch -- a change-up, to complement his fastball and curve -- and the fact he continued to throw in the high 80s (mph). "Dave's control was excellent and he worked hard on it in the offseason," Griser said. "He worked out some kinks and it really helped him. He went to another level and became a more complete pitcher." Griser said several teams showed interest in Kaye, including the Devil Rays, with whom Griser is a part-time scout, and the Pirates. Kaye participated in a workout with the Pirates last weekend. Scouts call him a strikeout pitcher because, well, Kaye racked up K's. He had 124 strikeouts against a measley 12 walks this season. He finished with a 7-1 record and a 0.95 ERA in 662/3 innings. Kaye's career numbers would make any scout turn and aim a radar gun. He struck out 374, walked 26 and compiled a 24-8 record. "I think I proved a lot in the fall with the Allegheny Pirates," Kaye said. "I developed a change-up and added more velocity to my fastball." Kaye is the second Riverview pitcher drafted in five years. Brandon Federici, a left-hander, was picked by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2002 but chose to attend Polk Community College for a year to hone his skills. He later was picked by the San Francisco Giants. Federici currently is not with a Major League organization, but is exploring opportunities to pitch at a higher level. Kaye, a four-year starter, led Riverview (13-7) to the WPIAL Class AA semifinals and PIAA first round this season. He did not lose until the state playoffs. With this season behind him now, he can concentrate on his future. "We're all still on Cloud 9 right now," said Harry Kaye, Dave's father. "Once we take a step back and enjoy the moment, we'll sit down and discuss things." "This is something I have dreamed about since I was little kid," Dave Kaye said. "What a feeling."

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