Ricky Romero's career as an Auburn Doubleday isn't expected to be long - a handful of starts - but the 2005 first-round draft choice is enjoying his time here.

On Friday, in his first professional start, Romero pitched two shutout innings with a pair of strikeouts.

Romero, a left-handed pitcher from Cal State-Fullerton, was the Toronto Blue Jays' 2005 first-round draft choice, the sixth overall. He was 13-5 with a 2.89 ERA and struck out 139 batters in 134 innings and walked just 34.

Romero was originally drafted out of high school in the 37th round by the Red Sox, but the Los Angeles native decided to remain in California and pitch for the Titans. He helped lead Cal State-Fullerton to the 2004 College World Series championship.

Even though the Blue Jays told him he would probably be their top pick, Romero still was a little anxious about draft day.

"I was so nervous; I was sitting there with my whole family back at home, listening to MLB Radio, and when I heard my name, it was the biggest relief of my life," he said. "It was a really happy moment for my family and it was a dream come true."

Because he pitched so many innings last season, the Blue Jays are being careful with Romero so he is only expected to make a few starts, with limited pitch counts.

"They're trying to hold me off a little bit because I threw a lot of innings," Romero said, "which is fine with me. Hopefully I'll have a bright future."

The Blue Jays hope so too, as Romero looks to join a list of recent Toronto first-round picks that started in Auburn and then quickly moved up the organization to the major leagues.

Russ Adams, the 2002 choice is seeing significant playing time in Toronto and Aaron Hill, the 2003 selection, is making a run at the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Their success tells Romero that if he does well, he may be in the majors in a short time.

"Soon as I was drafted by them, I said, 'That's a great organization to go to,'" Romero said. "I've heard the way they move people up. It's a good thing."

But Romero knows his high-pick status doesn't guarantee a major-league roster spot and certainly not a lengthy career.

"The journey doesn't stop here," he said. "I was a first-round, sixth pick overall, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to keep working hard. I'm going to keep working hard as anyone in baseball."

Romero will have to make the adjustment to professional ball, which has its positives and negatives. While the players are better, they don't use aluminum bats, which favor the batter.

"A jam shot shouldn't turn into a bleeder," he said. "There's a lot more smarter hitters in pro ball. You can't make a mistake, or they'll make you pay."

While some pitchers come across as brash and loud, Romero prides himself on being low-key and humble.

"I don't try to come about as I'm better than everyone here because I'm the top pick," he said. "I love talking, interacting with everyone here. I feel like everyone here has made me fit in and made me feel comfortable here. I'm just another guy. And that's the way it should be."