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Justin Stiver is set to make his first throws as a professional when he takes the mound for the Tri-City ValleyCats at Vermont’s Centennial Field against the Lake Monsters in tonight’s Class-A Penn League matchup in Winooski.

Stiver became the first-ever Florida Gulf Coast University player to be drafted when he was taken by Houston in the 17th round (519th overall) earlier this month. Stiver came to terms with the Astros two days later, the signing making it official he was leaving the Eagles after his junior season. It was something he indicated he would do the night he was drafted.

“I got average money for the round I was picked at,” said Stiver, declining to provide details.

A 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander who went 6-5 with a 3.81 ERA and 76 strikeouts for FGCU’s first NCAA Division II Tournament team last season, Stiver made the move from his family home in Englewood to the ValleyCats’ base in Troy, N.Y., last Friday.

“It’s been fun, but I’ve been working hard and everything,” said Stiver, who transferred to FGCU after two uneventful seasons at the University of Florida, and missed 2005 because of a shoulder injury.

Stiver said he’s ready to throw in tonight’s game, which will be the third for the ValleyCats. They play the “short season” through September.

“I’m throwing real good right now,” Stiver said.

Looking around, Stiver said he feels he fits in.

“I think I stack up pretty good,” Stiver said. “There’s a lot of talent here, though. Just have to wait and see.”