http://www.tarheeltimes.com/UNC Basketball, Football and Recruiting Newsen-US1/13/2012 8:34:08 AMhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37784.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37784.aspxLauren 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.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.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:32:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37770.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37770.aspxIn 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.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.Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:03:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37578.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37578.aspxIn 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.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.Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:08:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37560.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37560.aspxDustin 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.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.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:03:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37506.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37506.aspxRelocating 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.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.Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:23:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37492.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37492.aspx1) 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.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.Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:19:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37491.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37491.aspxWith 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.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.Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:17:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37041.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article37041.aspxWhen 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.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.Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:57:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article36529.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article36529.aspxBoston 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.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.Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:16:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article36376.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article36376.aspxIs 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.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.Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:22:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article36070.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article36070.aspxRookie Dustin Ackley was named Player of the Year for the Seattle Mariners and Mike Carp earned Breakout Player of the Year honors. The two youngsters took very different paths to the big leagues. Ackley, the second overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, was fast-tracked to the Majors after a little more than one season in Minor League ball.Rookie Dustin Ackley was named Player of the Year for the Seattle Mariners and Mike Carp earned Breakout Player of the Year honors. The two youngsters took very different paths to the big leagues. Ackley, the second overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, was fast-tracked to the Majors after a little more than one season in Minor League ball.Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:06:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35953.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35953.aspxDustin Ackley began his rookie campaign on a tear, and he ended it in a slump. Now that we've reached the end of the season, though, we can pull ourselves away from the splits and reflect on his performance overall. Overall, Ackley batted 376 times, and posted a .348 OBP with a 117 OPS+. Very fine numbers from a first-year player at the most advanced level of competition in the world.Dustin Ackley began his rookie campaign on a tear, and he ended it in a slump. Now that we've reached the end of the season, though, we can pull ourselves away from the splits and reflect on his performance overall. Overall, Ackley batted 376 times, and posted a .348 OBP with a 117 OPS+. Very fine numbers from a first-year player at the most advanced level of competition in the world.Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:20:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35639.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35639.aspx2B Dustin Ackley, Mariners: The second pick in the 2009 draft, Ackley shot to Triple-A a year later and to Seattle on June 17, roughly two years after being drafted. A mere thee weeks after his debut, Ackley established himself as the Mariners' top offensive player and permanent three-hole hitter. He wound up leading the Mariners in average (.273), OBP (.348) and slugging (.417).2B Dustin Ackley, Mariners: The second pick in the 2009 draft, Ackley shot to Triple-A a year later and to Seattle on June 17, roughly two years after being drafted. A mere thee weeks after his debut, Ackley established himself as the Mariners' top offensive player and permanent three-hole hitter. He wound up leading the Mariners in average (.273), OBP (.348) and slugging (.417).Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:58:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35271.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35271.aspxUnbroken: Five years after a bean ball ended his big-league career on the first pitch of his first at-bat, former Cub Adam Greenberg still yearns to fulfill his big-league dream.Unbroken: Five years after a bean ball ended his big-league career on the first pitch of his first at-bat, former Cub Adam Greenberg still yearns to fulfill his big-league dream.Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:15:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35204.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35204.aspxHe played in the big leagues for just three months, but Dustin Ackley already established himself as a legitimate Major League ballplayer. After arriving in Seattle on June 16, the rookie second baseman arguably was the Mariners' most consistent hitter. For his success, Ackley has been nominated for the Hank Aaron Award. The coveted honor is awarded to the best overall hitters in both the American and National League.He played in the big leagues for just three months, but Dustin Ackley already established himself as a legitimate Major League ballplayer. After arriving in Seattle on June 16, the rookie second baseman arguably was the Mariners' most consistent hitter. For his success, Ackley has been nominated for the Hank Aaron Award. The coveted honor is awarded to the best overall hitters in both the American and National League.Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:51:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35177.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35177.aspxFormer Tar Heel right-hander Matt Harvey was named the No. 2 overall prospect in the Florida State League by Baseball America on Tuesday for the 2011 season. Harvey went 8-2 with a 2.37 ERA during his time in the Florida State League before getting the call to double-A Binghamton.Former Tar Heel right-hander Matt Harvey was named the No. 2 overall prospect in the Florida State League by Baseball America on Tuesday for the 2011 season. Harvey went 8-2 with a 2.37 ERA during his time in the Florida State League before getting the call to double-A Binghamton.Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:36:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35092.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35092.aspxDustin Ackley became the everyday second baseman for the Seattle Mariners on June 17. He has a .277 batting average and an unexpected six home runs on the season. He began hitting third in the batting order less than a month after joining the team.Dustin Ackley became the everyday second baseman for the Seattle Mariners on June 17. He has a .277 batting average and an unexpected six home runs on the season. He began hitting third in the batting order less than a month after joining the team.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:09:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35077.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35077.aspxBrian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles second baseman and former Diamond Heel, tries to recover from two concussions and return to baseball.Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles second baseman and former Diamond Heel, tries to recover from two concussions and return to baseball.Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:31:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35047.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35047.aspxChris Iannetta is either A) a drag on the Rockies' offense, a too-patient hitter who is blamed for everything but the creation of Dinger, or B) a steady contributor who is having a decent season hitting from the eighth spot in the lineup. He's closer to the latter, which is why, as it stands now, he's the leading candidate to start next season.Chris Iannetta is either A) a drag on the Rockies' offense, a too-patient hitter who is blamed for everything but the creation of Dinger, or B) a steady contributor who is having a decent season hitting from the eighth spot in the lineup. He's closer to the latter, which is why, as it stands now, he's the leading candidate to start next season.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:03:00 -0400http://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35033.aspxhttp://www.tarheeltimes.com/article35033.aspxField wasn't the only one to have a big day. Fellow callup Jordan Pacheco and Ty Wigginton also had four hits apiece. Kevin Kouzmanoff delivered his second career two-homer game while bringing his season total to three, Chris Iannetta homered, and Kouzmanoff and Iannetta each drove in five runs.Field wasn't the only one to have a big day. Fellow callup Jordan Pacheco and Ty Wigginton also had four hits apiece. Kevin Kouzmanoff delivered his second career two-homer game while bringing his season total to three, Chris Iannetta homered, and Kouzmanoff and Iannetta each drove in five runs.Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:12:00 -0400