UNC Baseball Alumni

Complete coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels Baseball Alumni.

Out of the park

Lauren Shuping clearly remembers her mom coming home from a UNC Chapel Hill football game in 2008 raving about a guy she met. He was Chad Flack, a Carolina baseball player, and her mom, along with a friendly team of conspirators, set up a meeting for the two during the halftime of an upcoming football game. Nervous and embarrassed, Lauren walked to the end zone, where Chad was showing baseball recruits around the stadium. They met, and neither could deny the instant sparks. (Charlotte Observer)

BaseBald Program Grows Under Cancer Survivor Chase Jones

In 2010, Jones organized BaseBald for the Cure at UNC. Before a game, players and coaches shaved their heads to raise awareness and money for cancer research and treatment. For every $100 donated to the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, one Tar Heel baseball player shaved his head. That first drive raised $6,400. They did it again the next year and raised $15,000 more. (Baseball America)

Eight Major Leaguers To Be In Attendance At First Pitch Dinner

In addition to the five Tar Heels that made their Major League debut in 2011 Carolina's annual First Pitch Diner will feature eight Tar Heels with MLB experience as Daniel Bard, Andrew Miller and Chris Iannetta will also be in attendance. The annual event is set for Jan. 28, 2012 and will kick off with a silent auction at 6 p.m at the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. (Tar Heel Blue)

Who's got next? The Mariners' Dustin Ackley

Dustin Ackley was coming to a new city to play on a new team at a new level of professional baseball. And on top of everything else, he was still learning to play a new position. But in a season of meager accomplishments by the Seattle Mariners -- the team finished last in the four-team American League West for the second straight season and the sixth time in eight years -- Ackley gave the ballclub hope for a more promising future. (The Daily Herald)

Chris Iannetta eager to play for Angels

Relocating from the Rocky Mountains that adorn Colorado to sun-splashed Southern California has already reaped one major benefit for the 28-year-old. Keep in mind that Iannetta has yet to suit up for his new manager, but that didn’t stop Mike Scioscia from lavishing praise upon his new catcher during last week’s winter meetings. (Pawtucket Times)

Matt Harvey ranked as Mets top minor league prospect for 2012

1) Matt Harvey, RHP, Grade B+: He can be a number two starter and someone to build around. Some evaluators see him more as a closer if his changeup remains erratic, but I'm cutting him some slack on that issue and am optimistic. (Minor League Ball)

Red Sox bring back Andrew Miller with one-year deal

With pitching depth the team's greatest need this offseason, the Red Sox signed left-handed pitcher Andrew Miller to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2012 season, avoiding salary arbitration. Miller's contract is worth $1.04 million, according to sources. (ESPN.com)

Ex-Tar Heel Daniel Bard moving to Red Sox' rotation

When Jonathan Papelbon signed with the Phillies as a free agent, most assumed former UNC pitcher Daniel Bard would take over as the Red Sox' closer next season. But as Lee Corso would say: "Not so fast, my friend." New Boston manager Bobby Valentine tells the Boston Globe Bard will begin spring training as a starter. (WRAL Sports Fan)

A case for Daniel Bard as next Red Sox closer

Boston Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard is considered one of the best relievers in the game, but there's nothing sexy about being the eighth-inning setup man. He's dominated that role since making his big league debut in May 2009, but things could change now that free-agent closer Jonathan Papelbon is set to switch teams and leagues, having agreed to a four-year deal worth $50 million with the Philadelphia Phillies. (ESPN.com)

The progression of Daniel Bard

Is Daniel Bard ready to take over as the Red Sox next closer? That was the first question that popped into the heads of many of the Red Sox faithful the moment that Jonathan Papelbon agreed to sign with the Phillies. While there are still a number of “closers” available in the free agent market, there is no guarantee that the Sox will indeed lure one to take over as their closer in 2012. (Fire Brand of the American League)

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