July 3, 2008

Goff's Pro Statistics on MinorLeagueBaseball.com

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest infielder Andy Goff signed a free agent contract with the Colorado Rockies last week. Goff, who graduated this past May, has been assigned to the Casper Rockies of the Rookie-level Pioneer League.

"It's something I have wanted to do my whole life, and to have that happen is a dream come true," said Goff about signing a professional contract. "I'm just going to make the most of it, have fun and take it one day at a time."

Goff signed with the Rockies last Tuesday, June 24, and has already played in five games with Casper, who started its season in mid-June. The Pittsburgh native was not selected in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft in early June but still received interest from the Rockies organization.

"The Rockies were interested in me before the draft, and I had talked to a couple of their scouts who said they were going to take me in the late rounds," said Goff. "When that didn't happen, Jay Matthews, their area scout for North Carolina, called and said he might have a job for me in Casper. I kept working out, and Jay finally called me on Monday (June 23) and I was in Casper on Tuesday."

Goff was originally drafted by Colorado in 2004 out of Mount Lebanon High School. Then a 5-11, 180-pound infielder, Goff was taken with the ninth selection of the 50th round. He chose not to sign and instead became a four-year starter for the Demon Deacons.

Goff played in 214 games at Wake Forest, making 212 starts. He was a three-year starter at second base before shifting over to shortstop for his senior season. For his career, he hit .253 with 109 RBIs and 134 runs scored. In 2008, Goff hit .279 with 24 RBIs and 30 runs scored. He ended his career on a personal-best 13-game hitting streak.

Goff ranks in the top 10 on the Wake Forest career lists for HBPs (fourth), sacrifice hits (fifth) and at-bats (seventh).

"I'm very pleased that Andy has an opportunity to play at the next level," said Wake Forest head coach Rick Rembielak. "It's a great opportunity for him to continue his baseball career, and it will be beneficial for him to utilize his skills at the professional level. I'm glad to see Andy get a chance to keep playing."