Blue Jays sign top pick

TORONTO, June 18 (UPI) -- The Toronto Blue Jays have signed shortstop Aaron Hill, their first-round pick in the 2003 draft.

He was the Position Player of the Year in the Southeastern Conference Position, and played for the 2002 United States National Team.

Hill, the 13th overall pick, batted .358 with nine home runs and 67 RBI this season for LSU. He also led the Tigers with a .466 on-base percentage, 95 hits, and 68 runs.

The 6-foot, 196-pounder, a native of Visalia, Calif., went 1-for-8 in the College World Series, where LSU was eliminated in two games. He will join Single-A Auburn of the New York-Penn League on Thursday.