[ UH BASEBALL ]
Rainbows lose another
recruit to pros
Greg Burns decided yesterday to sign with the world champion Florida Marlins instead of enrolling as a freshman at Hawaii this fall.
The 6-foot-2 outfielder from Walnut High School in Philips Ranch, Calif., was selected in the third round of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft last week. He was the 98th overall pick.
"After Greg was taken in the third round, we pretty much knew he was going to sign," UH coach Mike Trapasso said. "We talked earlier and he let it be known if he was offered half a mill, he would sign. I'm sure he got close to that.
"He had an advisor who is a good dude and they went about it the right way. About three days ago they were only $100,000 apart."
The Marlins made an offer Saturday, Burns and his family discussed it Sunday and the necessary papers were signed yesterday.
"If they didn't offer me fair money, I was coming to Hawaii, but they offered me fair money for the round and they will pay for my schooling," said Burns, who bats and throws from the left side. "I just want to play baseball.
"This is a load off my shoulders. I'm going to celebrate by having dinner with family and friends tonight."
Burns will report Friday to the Marlins spring training facility at Jupiter, Fla.
Trapasso and his assistants will be on the prowl this summer for another outfielder and another pitcher, after James Parr signed last week.
"It will be a feeding frenzy because everyone is in the same boat after the draft," Trapasso said.
Note: Matt Buck, a freshman left-handed pitcher who appeared in three games for the Rainbows last year, will transfer to Chandler-Gilbert (Ariz.) Community College this fall.
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