Report: Andy Burns transferring to Arizona

Andy Burns; UK photo

Brewster Whitecaps broadcaster Fred Katz reports via Twitter that former University of Kentucky sophomore infielder Andy Burns is transferring to Arizona. Burns, who is currently playing for the Whitecaps of the Cape Cod League, came to UK as one of the highest ranked high school hitting prospects to ever sign with the program. Last week BluGrass Baseball confirmed that Burns was transferring from UK with a statement from head coach Gary Henderson who said after the season “both parties decided to go in another direction.”

On Monday Brewster General Manager Ned Monthie told BluGrass Baseball that Burns “wants to concentrate on the present season and won’t make any statements at this time.” Under NCAA transfer rules, if Burns attends Arizona he will have to sit out one season.

Burns concentrating on Cape season; Ijames named Cape Cod player of week; Red Sox, Yankees want Downs

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Scott Downs; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Updates and links from around Kentucky baseball:

Brewster Whitecaps General Manager Ned Monthie responded to BluGrass Baseball‘s request for an interview with former University of Kentucky infielder Andy Burns, who recently left the program, by saying, “Andy wants to concentrate on the current season and won’t make any statements at this time.”
University of Louisville rising redshirt junior outfielder Stewart Ijames was named the Cape Cod League player of the week after batting .423 with a home run and eight RBI for Yarmouth-Dennis.
Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse reports both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have targeted Louisville native and former UK left-handed pitcher Scott Downs as a possible trade deadline acquisition. Price notes Cincinnati may also have interest in Downs.
Yesterday we reported former Eastern Kentucky University left-handed pitcher and Colorado Rockies prospect Christian Friedrich was hit on his pitching elbow by a line drive while pitching for AA Tulsa. Barry Lewis of the Tulsa World has a full recap of the incident with quotes from Tulsa manager Ron Gideon.
Jason Stella of the Louisville Bats media relations department writes former Major League outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. has been a valuable mid-season acquisition for the Bats.
Jim Callis of Baseball America profiles recently promoted Lexington Legends outfielder J. D. Martinez in his latest “Ask BA” column.

UK Infielder Andy Burns, considered top hitting prospect to ever sign with school, leaves program

College Baseball

Andy Burns; UK photo

The University of Kentucky confirmed in a statement Friday afternoon to BluGrass Baseball that rising junior third baseman Andy Burns has left the program. Burns, considered one of the best high school position player prospects to ever sign with the school, has not announced where he will transfer. “Andy is no longer a member of the UK baseball program,” UK head coach Gary Henderson said in a statement. “At the end of the season, both parties decided to go in another direction and we wish Andy nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Burns batted .271 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI as a sophomore and .287 with seven home runs and 33 RBI as a freshman for UK. The Fort Collins, Colo., native was the 25th round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies as a high school senior in 2008 but elected to attend UK instead of signing a professional contract. Burns was named the Southeastern Conference freshman of the week for the week ending May 11, 2009.

Burns could not be reached at the time of positing, though BluGrass Baseball has placed an interview request with his Cape Cod League team. This summer Burns is batting .232 with no home runs in 25 games for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod League. Brewster coach Tom Myers told Aaron Fitt of Baseball America Burns has the chance to be a special player at the next level. “He’s in transition right now, leaving Kentucky, may redshirt, may not—he’s a quality player,” Myers told Fitt. “He’s played short and third, but will probably end up being a third baseman wherever he lands.”