Kentucky was bringing in a big-time recruiting class including top prospects like pick #53 Seth Lintz, star Indiana RHP Alex Meyer, Colorado SS Andy Burns (round 25), Paducah's power-armed RHP Daniel Webb (round 12), Yanks fourth round IF Corban Joseph, hometown kid LHP Robbie Ross (57 overall) and others like talented Chicago area SS-P Braden Kapteyn (39th round, Giants), pitcher Blake Brewer (11th round, Marlins) and Cory Farris (43rd round, White Sox).

Some had said that they had talked to each other and decided that, unless seven figure first-round money was offered, they were all going to turn down the pros and go to Lexington together to take the 'Cats to Omaha soon.  Because of this some of these guys (Burns, Meyer and Webb in particular) went unpicked for longer than their talent would have indicated.

But now Coach John Cohen, in a huge move, has left Kentucky to take over Missippii State's retiring legend Ron Polk. Cohen had led Kentucky from the cellar into being a league power and this big class was set to turn Kentucky into a possible top 10 team.

But now Cohen is gone.  The coaching change could lead these talented prospects who were going to be tough signs into possibly easier signs if they decide the loss of the coach dampens their interest in becoming Wildcats.

Meyer's situation is extremely interesting as no team even bothered to waste a 50th round flyer on him since they were so sure he was unsignable.  Now if he decides he doesn't want to go to UK under a different coach he would be a free agent.

Polk by the way, showing that he is in peak form despite retirement, is hopping mad at the choice of hire and has threatened to take his name off the stadium and Miss St out of his will until they fire the AD.  Polk had wanted a former assistant to get the job.

The AP article has all of the juicy quotes an incensed Polk... http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=3430009&campaign=rss&source=NCAAHeadlines