Aug. 20, 2008
LAKELAND, Fla. — Former Kentucky infielder Michael Bertram has been named the Florida State League Player of the Week, for the period of August 11-17, it was announced by the league office.
While playing for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the high class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, Bertram hit .400 during the week, notching 10 hits in his 25 total at bats. A native of Lexington, Ky., Bertram boosted four home runs, two doubles, scoring seven times and driving in nine. Bertram, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound corner infielder, slugged for a .960 percentage during the week.
On the year, Bertram is hitting .286 (94-for-329) with 18 doubles, four triples, eight homers and 47 RBI. Riding a seven-game hit streak, Bertram is reaching base at a .339 percentage and slugging at a .438 clip in 90 games played.
Bertram had an excellent season in 2007 in the Midwest League, teaming with former UK Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Ryan Strieby on the West Michigan Whitecaps, helping the team to the league title after hitting .462 (6-for-13) with a triple and three RBI in four playoff games.
A 39th round pick of the 2006 MLB Draft by the Tigers, Bertram had a stellar career at UK, culminating in the first SEC Championship in program history in 2006. During his four-year UK career (2003-06), Bertram hit .312 in 182 games played, adding 37 doubles, eight homers and 107 RBI.
Andrew Albers Makes Professional Debut
PEORIA, Ariz. — Former UK left-handed pitcher Andrew Albers has made his professional debut with the Rookie Level Arizona League Padres, pitching three scoreless innings in his three appearances.
Albers, who ranks fourth all-time in UK history with 81 career appearances, debuted as a professional on August 8, pitching a hitless frame. The 10th-round pick of the Padres in 2008, Albers followed that with a hitless inning in which he struck out the side on August 13. On Monday, Albers allowed his first two professional hits, getting out of the jam without allowing a run.
A fixture on the UK pitching staff from 2005-08, Albers finished his career with the third-most career saves in Wildcat history (12) and the fourth-most wins in program history (20). As a lead reliever and stopper out of the bullpen in 2008, Albers earned a 7-4 record and a 2.40 ERA, notching five saves. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound southpaw worked 56.1 innings, striking out 64 and allowing 45 hits.
A tremendous vocal and emotional leader, Albers and his signing class finishing their four-year career as the winningest group in the 104-year history of UK baseball.
