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Junior first baseman Brett McMillan was selected in the 36th round of the 2005 Major League Baseb

At first glance, it might seem like the Major League Baseball draft really took the luster off of UCLA head baseball coach John Savage’s first recruiting class in Westwood. But even though five of their top recruits from the 2006 baseball recruiting class were drafted, the Bruins have come out relatively unscathed. The only player lost to the professional ranks appears to be John Drennen, a highly touted outfield prospect from San Diego, who could have jumpstarted the Bruins’ rebuilding process. Savage and his coaching staff were working under the suspicion that Drennen would be a highly selected draft pick and forego a college career. While Drennen was actually drafted below early projections by the Cleveland Indians with the 33rd pick, he still chose the minors over UCLA. “There shouldn’t be a lot of negotiating,” Drennen told the San Diego Union Tribune. “I’ll take whatever is slotted for where I was drafted. This is the first step to the big leagues.” Star recruits Tim Murphy, Brian Kirwan, David Huff and Ryan Babineau were all drafted between the 11th and 19th rounds. As a result, they will likely come to UCLA in hopes that they can fulfill their dreams of playing professional baseball by starring in the collegiate ranks. Kirwan, for one, stated earlier that unless the offer from the Minnesota Twins is substantial, he is leaning heavily towards coming to Westwood. Huff, a junior transfer, has been asked to participate in the USA National Team Trials from June 27-30. Huff had a 4-2 record with a 3.24 ERA last year at Cypress College. He will be one of 39 players vying for the 20 open spots on the roster.

DRAFT UPDATE: Junior first baseman Brett McMillan has signed with the Washington Nationals after being drafted this year in the 36th round.