Eye on the U

Defense attorney for UM baseball conditioning coach says his client didn't break law or NCAA rules

The attorney for University of Miami baseball strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Goins told The Miami Herald his client hasn't broken any federal laws or NCAA rules and that the article in Tuesday's editions of Miami New Times has jumped to conclusions.

"I can tell you Mr. Goins has no knowledge of any wrongdoing and hasn't done anything wrong personally on the behalf of Miami. He's kind of been blindsided by this," said attorney Gordon Fenderson of Fenderson and Hampton, LLC.

"We're not going to talk about whether he was a patient or not. There are privacy concerns there. But as far as using or purchasing anything that would be contrary to any rules or laws, he's been blindsided by those allegations.

"It's very presumptive to just say because a list comes out and one person may be accused of wrongdoing everybody on that list is accused of wrongdoing."

Goins, who has been on staff at UM for the past nine years, declined comment when approached by The Miami Herald in person Tuesday and directed all inquiries to his attorney.

The New Times reported Goins' name was on multiple client lists at Biogenesis, the Coral Gables clinic that was allegedly supplying MLB players and others with PEDs. "In one detailed page dated December 14, 2011, [Biogenesis owner Tony] Bosch writes he's selling [Goins] Anavar, testosterone, and a Winstrol/B-12 mix and charging him $400 a month," the story said. "Another [report] from this past December includes sales of HGH and testosterone."

Former UM players Cesar Carrillo and Yasmani Grandal and South Florida-born baseball stars Alex Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez were also mentioned in Tuesday's story. It's inferred Goins may have been supplying players with PEDs. It's not clear if it involved current or former players.

Fenderson said his client hasn't been charged with anything and they are representing him to be proactive in his defense.

Asked if Goins had been suspended by UM pending further investigation Fenderson said: "We're going to let UM do what they're going to do and we'll address it once they make it clear. Naturally the University is in a position that they're going to look at this because there are allegations. We're going to let them do what they're going to do.

"It's just some insinuations at this point. I haven't actually seen the list. It's unfortunate this conclusion has been jumped to."

UM releases statement on baseball strength coach Jimmy Goins

Unless you've been sleeping for three days you know by now a new scandal involving performance-enhancing drugs and a long list of major league baseball players and a Miami clinic has been in the news.

The Miami New Times released a report of a lengthy three-month investigation Tuesday morning and listed among the names of clients who allegedly purchased PEDs from this clinic is longtime University of Miami baseball and track and field strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Goins.

Goins, who has been at UM for the last nine years, is recorded in multiple client lists according to Tuesday's New Times story. "In one detailed page dated December 14, 2011, [Biogenesis owner Tony] Bosch writes he's selling [Goins] Anavar, testosterone, and a Winstrol/B-12 mix and charging him $400 a month," the story said. "Another [report] from this past December includes sales of HGH and testosterone."

It's not clear in the report how Goins was involved. But former UM players Cesar Carrillo and Yasmani Grandal and former South Florida baseball stars Alex Rodriguez and Gio Gonzalez are also mentioned. It's inferred Goins may have been supplying players with PEDs. It's not clear if it is current or former players. UM isn't commenting on anything right now. The feds are investigating. 

But Goins, who was listed on UM's baseball roster as of Tuesday morning, is no longer listed there. A source said he Goins was not at practice today and he'll likely be suspended pending further investigation. Here is a link to Goins' UM profile.

UM released the follow statement to The Miami Herald this afternoon: “The University of Miami is aware of media reports regarding one of our employees and an intensive review is underway. We will not comment further on personnel matters."

Stay tuned for more on this story.

Daughters of Ron Fraser share poem he wanted them to see once he was gone

This is the longer version of my story that will appear in Tuesday's editions of The Miami Herald

At one point before Alzheimer's disease began taking its toll, Ron Fraser saw a poem he liked, copied it down and put it in his briefcase -- a message he hoped would be delivered at the right time.

Monday morning, as the late father of University of Miami baseball was being remembered and honored with eulogies and choir songs, his three daughters shared the poem with a congregation of hundreds who gathered for Fraser's funeral mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Southwest Ranches.

The title of the poem Fraser had intended for his daughters to see once he was gone: "I'm Free."

"[Fraser's wife of 24 years] Karen found it. It talked about being free and don't grieve for me and that while they're are things I've left undone, God wants me and I'm with him now," Fraser's youngest daughter, Elizabeth Fraser Kraut, said fighting back emotion.

"It was left for us from Popie to help us deal with the grief of losing him. We hoped it would help the congregation get through their grief -- because we are all family. I can't even express to you in words how wonderful the outpouring of support has been."

Fraser, who passed away a week ago Sunday at age 79, will continue to be honored in the coming weeks.

The University of Miami has planned "A Celebration of the Life of Ron Fraser" for Saturday, Feb. 23 on campus with another event scheduled later that night during the baseball game against Milwaukee. The Ron Fraser Wizard Fund plans on honoring the Hall of Fame coach with a bronze statue at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. Current UM baseball coach Jim Morris said the program is committed to dedicating the season to Fraser in other ways not yet announced. Kraut said a private burial service will then take place in her father's hometown of Nutley, N.J. in March or April.

Monday's two-hour long mass -- as well as Sunday's eight-hour visitation at Stanfill Funeral Homes in Miami -- provided an opportunity for those closest to him to share stories and remember not just the man who was dubbed "The Wizard of College Baseball" but who served as a father figure for many young men, said Kraut and close friends.

UM Sports Hall of Famer Mike Fiore, part of Fraser's second and last national title team in 1985, was the first of five men who delivered a eulogy Monday. The others: former Catholic priest Leo Armbrust, longtime friend and former UM baseball sports information director Rick Remmert, current coach Morris, and family spokesman and TV personality Tony Segreto. Fiore, now the vice president for the company of famed baseball agent Scott Boras, called Fraser a "life coordinator."

"The family asked me to speak about him as a coach and what he meant to players like myself," Fiore said of the morning service. "I told one story today about how one time when we were playing Florida State my freshman year, down one run, late in the game, I'm standing on third thinking 'Do I let the ball go through? Do I run home if it gets past the catcher?'

"He walks up to me and looks at the crowd of six, seven thousand and says 'How many hamburgers and hot dogs do you think we sold tonight?' It was his unique way of alleviating stress from me, his way of saying I trust you, trust the way you play, go ahead and react. That was the greatest thing about coach Fraser. He always made you feel comfortable."

Fraser, who amassed a 1,271-438-9 record at UM and coached the Olympic team after retiring following the 1992 season, began coaching at UM for a $2,200 salary. He took a cow pasture for a field and raised the money for a ballpark with fundraising and marketing genius -- and not much financial help from UM.

Remmert, now UM's Director of Alumni programs, recalled how when Fraser first became coach of the Hurricanes he took a second job as athletic director of the Coral Gables youth center and borrowed equipment from there because UM didn't have any. The team's first uniforms, Remmert said, Fraser got those through his U.S. Military Academy connection.

"They took the A, R and Y off [the uniforms] and left the M on," Remmert said. "That's where the famous M came from.

"One of the first promotions he had after getting lights and fences for the baseball field and charging $1 for tickets was the 'Baseball from Outer Space.' The plan was to have a parachute jumper come in with a neon colored ball. The jumper got caught up in the wind and ended up landing in the old serpentarium instead. Coach also brought the first mascot to college baseball with the Miami Maniac.

"He saw the modern game of college baseball and what it could look like. [Former LSU coach] Skip Bertman said Ron was 30 years ahead of his time and proved to athletic directors baseball could be a revenue sport."

Kraut said she heard stories about her father on Sunday and Monday she hadn't heard before and that it has comforted the family.

"The phone calls, the tweets, text messages, the Facebook postings," Kraut said. "it's amazing how much people loved Popie and how much they've taken us under their wings."

News and notes from the start of Canes spring baseball practice

Al Golden didn't get a chance to see David Thompson rifle passes to receivers this fall, but Jim Morris will get to see him use his bat this spring.

The talented freshman, who set a state record for career home runs and wiped Alex Rodriguez's name from the top of the record books at Miami Westminster Christian School, said Friday he is healthy and ready to make an impact for the Hurricanes.

Although Thompson doesn't have a set position just yet -- he's working at third base, first base and left field – chances are he's going to find a spot in the starting lineup.

"He can hit," said Morris, whose team practiced for the first time this spring on Friday -- exactly three weeks before the season opening weekend series at home against Rutgers.

"He's a good athlete, knows how to win and works very, very hard. And he can hit. When you can hit, you find a place to play."

Thompson, who had right shoulder surgery in June to repair a torn labrum, is one of a handful of newcomers -- and a few players coming back from surgery -- Morris is counting on to help turn the program around.

The others: left-handed starting pitchers Bryan Radziewski (the only player who wasn't ready to go at the start of practice Friday coming off shoulder surgery) and Andrew Suarez (a ninth round pick in 2011 who only pitched three innings in an exhibition game against the Marlins before having shoulder surgery himself); middle infielders Brandon Lopez (who could get a chance to compete for the closer's role) and Alex Hernandez (a JUCO transfer from Palm Beach Central who was the team's unofficial MVP in the fall) and left-handed power hitting freshman outfielder Grant Heyman (an 11th round pick of the Blue Jays  whom Morris said was hitting balls into the upper deck of the parking lot in the fall).

The Hurricanes, coming off a disappointing 36-22 season in which they lost their first regional at home since 1990, were tabbed to finish fourth in the Coastal Division in a preseason poll by ACC coaches on Friday. That hardly bothered Morris as much as the fact UM is entering the season unranked in Baseball America's Top 25 poll for the first time since he took over in 1994.

"There's a lot of questions we need to answer," Morris said. "I think we're going to have a good club and surprise some people, but to be honest, the polls aren't showing us a lot respect, which I don't like. We've got to prove we're as good as we've always been."

Morris said his biggest concern is the bullpen. Even though 2012 team MVP and left-handed reliever A.J. Salcines (3-0, 1.40 ERA, 7 SVs) is back along with right-hander Eric Nedeljkovic (0-1, 1.78 ERA, 4 SVs), Morris said Salcines is "not a prototype closer" and the team needs to find "guys that are proven that can do it every day."

"I think our defense will be much improved,” Morris said. "Our starting pitching should be good. We just have to figure out the bullpen."

MORE NEWS AND NOTES FROM FRIDAY...

> Thompson said his arm strength is “getting back to what it was.” Although he experiences some natural soreness, it’s not hurting him at all. Thompson said he’s making sure to throw a football around every couple days to stay sharp.

“I play catch with a lot of these guys after practice,” Thompson said. “[Center fielder] Dale [Carey] is a pretty good receiver. He's got the speed.”

Although Thompson missed the majority of fall baseball practices recovering from surgery, he was able to get some work in, hitting .316 in 19 at-bats. Three of his six hits went for doubles. He also said he was able to hit one ball out of the park at Mark Light Field.

“I have to be more patient than I was in high school,” Thompson said. “I always thought I could any pitch in high school no matter where it was. The way the ball moves, speed, and location, it’s a big difference.”

Morris said although Thompson is full committed to play baseball in the spring and football in the fall, he expects he will sneak over to get some spring work in on the gridiron.

"I'm sure he's going to still be over there some," Morris said. "I just know his mentality. I know he's a worker and David feels like he can play sports at the highest level."

Heyman called Thompson "a great hitter, probably the best hitter I've ever seen."

"He doesn't miss," Heyman continued. "It was amazing. He came out here first fall ball game and faced one of our better pitchers and just ripped a double down the line. I wasn't like that. It took me a couple weeks just to see the pitching.

"I'm really looking forward to playing with him the next three or four years. It's going to be really fun. He's a great guy too. Hopefully we'll make a good duo in the future."

> Suarez, who had surgery on April 9th, 2012 to repair a slight tear on his labrum and a bone spur on the back of his rotator cuff, said he hasn't felt any pain in his come back. He pitched in a few scrimmages over the fall and expects to be ready for the season. But he expects to let loose for the first time over the weekend and test his velocity.

"They haven't really gunned me yet. Sunday I'll find out," said Suarez, who allowed only two hits and struck out one in three scoreless innings of work in his only start for the Hurricanes last March in an exhibition against the Marlins. "I'm excited. The hitters told me I was throwing hard and stuff. We'll see what the [radar] gun says."

Morris said Suarez "may have the highest ceiling of anybody on the pitching staff."

"He's the highest drafted player on the team," Morris said. "He was hurt in high school, had the surgery last year after a few weeks. He's doing really well. He's doing good and had absolutely no setbacks in his program. We think he has a very good chance to start for us on the weekends."

> Morris said senior Michael Broad, who hit just .243 with four home runs and 30 RBI last season, should start in left field and hit somewhere in the middle of the lineup.

"We've moved strictly from the infield to the outfield, it should help him relax a little bit at the plate," Morris said. "He was hurt last year, but didn't have the type of year he wanted to have."

> Morris said the baseball team will do plenty to honor the late legendary coach Ron Fraser this season.

"We're going to do a lot of stuff. It's going to be a big thing, rightfully so," Morris said. We're having a Ron Fraser night and doing some special things you need to be here for that nobody is going to know until game time. We've talked about the season being committed and dedicated to Ron Fraser. I wouldn't be surprised if we pull somethings out of the hat Coach Fraser did."

David Thompson isn't the only hitter at UM who can throw a football

Turns out freshman David Thompson isn't the only athlete at the University of Miami who can swing a big bat and fling a football around.

Outfielder Grant Heyman, a three-sport star at Pittsford-Sutherland High School (N.Y.) and 11th round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in June, said Friday he's had discussions with the football staff about going out for football in the fall.

Heyman (6-4 1/2, 205) was an All-State quarterback and said he had offers from Rutgers, Syracuse and Buffalo as well as some Football Championship Subdivision programs. He said UM coaches told him he would come in as an athlete and potentially play "quarterback, receiver, really anywhere."

But right now, Heyman said, he's concentrated on trying to earn a starting spot on the baseball team and not worrying about football. Coach Jim Morris and the baseball Hurricanes held their first official practice of the spring Friday and have three weeks to prepare for the season, which begins at home against Rutgers Feb. 15.

"I guess when I originally came here they said I could play football. That's part of the reason I came, not the biggest reason," Heyman said. "I'm just trying to put on more weight before I go over there."

Heyman, who hit .424 with nine homers in just 18 games his senior year of high school, was the recipient of the Rawlings National High School Gold Glove Award his senior year. He said he was timed at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 6.6 seconds in the 60-yard dash.

Unlike Thompson, whose first love was baseball, Morris said Heyman's first love has always been football. Morris said Heyman is certainly talented enough to play both, but he loves his raw baseball skills. Because he lived in the northeast, though, Heyman just hasn't had as much time as others to focus on baseball.

"He has to progress," Morris said. "He's the highest drafted player on our team to come in here [this season as a freshman]. [In fall practice] he hit balls on the deck [of the parking lot behind the right field wall at Mark Light Field]. He just hasn't had the repetition. So he has a lot of work to do to learn how to play the game. But that guy is going to be a very good player for us.

"He's got great tools. Number 1, the power. He can run. He's 6-5," Morris continued before slipping in a joke. "He's a prototype quarterback -- I mean outfielder."

UCF, Missouri State, Stony Brook will be in Coral Gables Regional with Canes

The NCAA released its field of 64 bracket in baseball Monday and the good news for the Hurricanes is that No. 1-seeded Florida and No. 3-seeded Florida State can't hinder them from getting to Omaha this year.

UM, selected as one of 16 host sites on Sunday, learned Monday that UCF (43-15), Missouri State (39-20) and Stony Brook (46-11) will be the three teams coming to Coral Gables this weekend to compete in the double elimination regional tournament.

The winner of the Coral Gables Regional would then face the winner of the Baton Rouge Regional, where No. 7-seeded LSU (43-16), Oregon State (38-18), Belmont (38-22) and Louisiana-Monroe (31-28) are.

The Hurricanes (36-21) haven't been to the College World Series since 2008. They've lost each of the last three seasons to Florida in either the Regional or Super Regional round.

UM split its season series with UCF this season. The Knights are ranked higher than UM (22nd, 21st) in both the Collegiate Baseball News poll (21st) and USA Today/ESPN College Coach's Poll (18th).

UM will open tournament play Friday at 7 against the fourth-seeded Seawolves of Stony Brook, who earned a berth by capturing their fourth America East Conference Championship in program history. The Hurricanes have faced the Seawolves only one time, winning their March 19, 2003 match-up in Coral Gables by a final score of 9-8.

Despite dropping their most recent match-up, the Hurricanes hold a 16-4 all-time advantage overUCF. The Knights will open its postseason at 2 p.m. against Missouri State. Similar to their brief history with the Seawolves, the Hurricanes have little experience facing the Bears of Missouri State.

Miami has taken the only two head-to-head match-ups with the university, formerly known as Southwest Missouri State. Miami enjoyed an 8-2 win in the Austin, Texas regional of the 1996 postseason, and also captured a 7-5 win on June 17, 2003 during the College World Series in Omaha.

Canes to host 24th NCAA baseball regional

Guess the experts were wrong.

Despite losing the ACC championship game to Georgia Tech and being projected to be a road team by most experts, the 21st-ranked University of Miami Hurricanes were one of 16 teams selected as hosts for the NCAA Tournament Sunday, which begins Friday.

It's the 24th time and first time since 2010 UM will host a regional. The Hurricanes have been to the Tournament an NCAA-record 40 consecutive years, but haven't reached the College World Series since 2008. 

They've lost to the University of Florida in the tournament each of the last three seasons -- whether in the Regional or Super Regional round.

The fact UM (36-21) was named one of the 16 host sites for the regional round came as a bit of a surprise despite being ranked 10th in RPI. Baseball America Magazine and ESPN both projected the Hurricanes as a No. 2 seed -- and likely headed to Gainesville.

UM is one of five ACC schools to serve as hosts.

The other 15 regional sites, with host institutions and records are as follows: LSU (43-26), Baton Rouge, La.; North Carolina (44-14), Chapel Hill, N.C.; Virginia (38-17), Charlottesville, Va.; Texas A&M (42-16), College Station, Texas; South Carolina (40-17), Columbia, S.C.; Oregon (42-16), Eugene, Ore.; Florida (42-18), Gainesville, Fla.; Purdue (44-12), Gary, Ind.; Rice (40-17), Houston, Texas; UCLA (41-14), Los Angeles, Calif.; Stanford (37-16), Palo Alto, Calif.; NC State (39-17), Raleigh, N.C.; Florida State (43-15), Tallahassee, Fla.; Arizona (37-17), Tucson, Ariz.; Baylor (44-14), Waco, Texas.

The last season Miami hosted a regional was 2010, when the Hurricanes went on to win the Coral Gables Regional with wins over Texas A&M and Dartmouth.

Ticket packages for the entire Coral Gables Regional are $90 for field box, $60 for chairback, $45 for adult general admission and $30 for youth, seniors and students. Those packages will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Individual day passes will go on sale later this week.

The Coral Gables Regional field will be announced Monday at 12 p.m. on ESPNU.

The University of Miami and the ticket office are closed for Memorial Day on Monday but normal hours will resume on Tuesday, May 29. To order tickets, click here or call 305-284-2263. The UM ticket office will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Canes taking on Georgia Tech at noon for ACC title -- but even with win hosting regional is unlikely

With North Carolina's 4-0, 12-inning win over North Carolina State late Saturday night, your 21st-ranked Miami Hurricanes earned a spot in today's ACC Championship game against eighth-seeded Georgia Tech -- and potentially a shot at hosting a regional.

But that shot at hosting a regional -- Baseball America college baseball expert Aaron Fitt says -- really isn't that good.

Even if they win today, most expect Florida State, North Carolina and North Carolina State to be the only ACC teams to earn host sites. UM's ranking in the RPI is 10th.

The NCAA will announce its 16 host sites at around 3:30 p.m. today, Fitt said.

"In my opinion what happened this week really didn't matter in terms of hosts," said Fitt. "It's nice they got some momentum back here. But they're probably behind some other teams in the pecking order in this conference. Miami got swept by [fourth seeded] Virginia, and Clemson also won two of three against them in the regular season -- in addition to N.C. State beating them at the tournament. Those teams just have more quality wins, a better body of work. It's nice Miami got hot a little bit here so maybe it will carry over with them next week. But the hosts are probably set right now."

First pitch for the ACC title game is at noon on ESPN2. The game can also be heard on 560 WQAM and WVUM 90.5 FM.

UM will start sophomore right-hander Javi Salas, while Georgia Tech will counter with freshman right-hander Josh Heddinger. UM took two of three from the Yellow Jackets last week in Atlanta.

UM is making its return to the championship game after a three-year hiatus. The last time the Hurricanes made it to the tournament's finale was in 2008, when they beat Virginia 8-4.

UM finished Pool B round-robin play tied with the Tar Heels at 2-1 and advanced to the championship via head-to-head tiebreaker.

Georgia Tech won Pool A by finishing a perfect 3-0 in round-robin play. After opening their tournament with an upset of No. 1 Florida State, the Yellow Jackets reeled off a 17-5 win against Virginia and a 5-1 win over Clemson on Saturday afternoon to earn their spot in the championship.

The complete NCAA Tournament brackets are scheduled to be revealed at noon Monday on ESPNU. The Hurricanes, who entered the ACC Tournament seeded sixth, have been projected for weeks to be the No. 2 seed in Gainesville.

But Fitt said he doesn't think the NCAA selection committee will send UM to face the Gators yet again.

"I hope they get sent somewhere else this year. They need some variety," Fitt said. "I have a feeling they will get sent somewhere else. There are a few other two seeds you can send to Gainesville that are close by. Miami can go out West or go to a place like LSU. But I see them traveling this year."

Canes to open ACC Tourney play vs. NC State Wednesday

If the Miami Hurricanes are going to serve as a host for an NCAA regional and avoid hitting the road yet again, they're going to have to perform really well -- and probably win it all -- at this week's ACC Tournament in Greensboro, N.C.

UM (34-19) is seeded sixth out of eight teams at the tournament and will open play Wednesday in Pool B against third-seeded N.C. State at 3 p.m. Thursday at 3, they'll take on No. 2 seeded North Carolina, whom the swept earlier this season. They'll then close out pool play Friday night against 7th-seeded Wake Forest.

The championship game is Sunday at noon.

Pool A consists of top-seeded Florida State, Virginia, Clemson and Georgia Tech.

Canes projected to go back to UF for baseball regional

There was probably no one as disappointed as Miami Hurricanes’ third baseman Brad Fieger when Tuesday night’s game against Florida Gulf Coast was cancelled due to lightning and rain.

Fieger hit a two-run homer to left field in the first inning. It would have been his fourth homer of the season and his second in consecutive at-bats, counting the grand slam he hit in Sunday’s win over Wake Forest.

But because the game was cancelled – Miami led 3-2 in the fourth when it was called – none of the statistics count.

The Canes (32-18), though, could sure use Fieger’s suddenly hot bat. They will play the rest of their season on the road, starting with a trip to Atlanta Thursday through Saturday for an ACC series against Georgia Tech.

After that, the Canes will play in the ACC Tournament, which is set for May 23-27 at Greensboro, N.C.

Judging by projections, the Canes would then play an NCAA regional on the road. ESPN, for example, projects the Canes as a No. 2 seed at Gainesville, behind Florida and together with Washington and Florida Atlantic.

In other Canes news, since Tuesday was the last scheduled home game for Miami, the team announced its year-end awards, and there were at least a couple of surprises.

It’s not often an MVP award goes to a middle reliever, but that’s what happened with A.J. Salcines, who had a team-best 1.39 ERA along with four saves.

The MVP award almost surely would have gone to catcher Peter O’Brien had he not broken a bone in his left wrist, missing 13 games. O’Brien, who hopes to return for the Georgia Tech series, still hit .354 and won awards for fan favorite and top home run hitter (10).

Eric Erickson was named top pitcher and was also given an award for exemplifying what it means to be a winner.

Garrett Kennedy, who stepped in for the injured O’Brien at catcher, was named the top freshman. He hit just .150 with four RBI in 23 starts but was praised for his defense.

Other freshmen who saw significant time this season were infielders Esteban Tresgallo (.246 in 39 starts) and Jarred Mederos (.231 in 36 starts).

-- These notes were sent in by Miami Herald writer Walter Villa, who covers the baseball team frequently.

UM spring schedule includes football-baseball double-header

UM announced its spring practice schedule Friday, including sites for the two open scrimmages and the addition of "Fan Appreciation Day" -- a football-baseball double-header on campus.

Anyone that purchases a ticket to the Canes' (March 4) baseball game against Florida will be granted access to the football team's practice at Greentree Practice Field. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.

The Canes first scrimmage will be held on Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m.-Noon at Ted Hendricks Stadium in Hialeah, Fla. The second scrimmage will be held Friday night on March 30 at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Fla. A 7 p.m. kick is scheduled.

Aside from those events and the previously announced spring game on April 14 at Sun Life Stadium, the other 11 practices (March 3, 5, 6, 20, 22, 27, 29 and April 3, 5, 10, 12) will be closed to the public.

> Following the Canes' scrimmage in Fort Myers, the Hurricane Club will host a golf tournament on Saturday, March 31 at the Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club.  Registration is at 7 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Lunch and awards will begin at 1 p.m. The deadline to register for the event is March 23. Please contact the Hurricane Club for more information: 305.284.3838.

> The spring game on April 14, free and open to the public, will kickoff at 2 p.m. and will be aired on Comcast South Sports (CSS) on tape delay at 5 p.m. that day. Schedule of events for the day will be released at a later date.

> In conjunction with the BankUnited CanesFest the Miami Hurricanes will be hosting a stadium wide Select-A-Seat. Fans are invited to come walk the Sun Life Stadium and select their seats for the upcoming season featuring home games against Florida State, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, N.C. State, USF and Bethune-Cookman.

Bullpen biggest question mark heading into Canes' baseball season Morris says

CORAL GABLES -- Normally, interviews at the University of Miami prior to the start of baseball season begin with the same question for coach Jim Morris: Is this Hurricanes team good enough to get back to the College World Series?

That didn't happen Tuesday. Morris, whose team opens the season a week from Friday at home against Rutgers, wasn't asked about Omaha until he was nearly done answering questions. Why did it take so long?

"Probably because a lot of our guys don't know where Omaha is -- except me and [sixth-year senior pitcher Eric] Erickson," Morris joked. "We haven't gone there much lately. We went there 11 out of my first 15 years and only once in the last five years. As a coach, you always feel you have a chance to go to Omaha if you play well. I think this club has a chance. That's all you want -- a chance.

"If we develop these guys and get a few breaks -- we've already had a couple with Eric and [catcher Peter] O'Brien -- we can get there."

The Hurricanes, who finished 38-23 and lost to national runner-up Florida for the third year in a row in regionals, have reason for optimism.

In addition to getting a healthy veteran in Erickson back for a sixth year (23-6, 3.08 ERA, 221 2/3 IP, 178 Ks, 40 BBs in three healthy seasons), all four of the team's starting pitchers from a year ago are back. 

Junior right-hander E.J. Encinosa, a freshman All-American who struggled last year as a starter (5-6 with a 3.45 ERA, 70 Ks, 33 BBs), will be going to the bullpen and will serve as the team's closer. But junior right-hander Eric Whaley (7-5, 2.70 ERA, 82 Ks, 22 Bs), junior left-hander Steven Ewing (8-2, 2.66 ERA, 77 Ks, 23 BBs) and sophomore left-hander Bryan Radzewski (9-2, 3.55 ERA, 92 Ks, 37 BBs) will be back in the rotation. Morris said Tuesday he isn't sure what order they will pitch in yet, but he's confident his rotation is the team's strength.

"It could be as good as any rotation I've had since I've been here," Morris said. "Ewing won [eight] games last year. [Whaley] was our No. 1 guy for most of the year. B-Rad ended up our No. 1 guy. Those are good, quality guys. That's important for us because we're not going to score that many runs early."

"We just have to get our bullpen settled. Got to have those seventh, eighth, ninth inning guys set."

With left-hander Sam Robinson, right-hander Travis Miller and closer Danny Miranda, UM had a solid trio in the bullpen. All three are gone now and Morris said he has "two or three young guys battling" for reliever spots. So far, junior college transfer Eric Nedeljkovic, a right-hander, appears as though he could be the setup guy. "He has good stuff, is a good athlete and can do it," Morris said.

Morris said his plan is to develop the bullpen early in the season and that he won't let his starters go deeper into games just because relievers could struggle early. "We're going to give them the opportunity early," Morris said.

CORNER INFIELD SPOTS IN FLUX

As for the Canes' lineup, that remains a bit in flux as well -- especially at the corner infield spots. Juniors Stephen Perez (.263, 0 HR, 31 RBI, 14 SBs, 15 errors) and Michael Broad (.248, 3 HRs, 31 RBI, 4 errors) are battling hamstring and knee and back injuries, but Morris said he expects them to be in the starting lineup at shorstop and second base respectively for the opener.

First base, Morris said, remains a three horse race between sophomores Brad Fieger (.280, 2 HRs, 29 RBI last season) and Scott Wiebel, and freshman Esteban Tresgallo. At third base, Morris said University of Florida transfer Tyler Palmer is competing with Wiebel and Fieger for playing time. "Whoever ends up hitting is who is going to end up playing at those corner spots," Morris said. "We're not getting a lot of offense out of any of those guys at the moment. And those are spots where you need offense."

SANTOS IN-LINE TO START IN CF

Morris said one person who is hitting the ball well this spring is redshirt freshman Julian Santos. The Miami Killian grad is leading the team in hitting with a .563 average in practices and has struckout just once according to Morris. Santos tore his left ACL and MCL two weeks before enrolling as a freshman and then tore his right ACL and MCL in his first game back last March.

"I never had a player work for a year to play and the day he's cleared to play he comes back and blows out the other knee," Morris said. "I remember calling him that night because I felt so bad for him. He told me it was just another bump in the road.

"When he came back this fall, though, he struggled. I told him 'Geez, you aren't making any progress, you better turn it up a notch or your not going to play.' I don't know what that did, but he came back this spring and was ready to play."

Morris said if the season started today Santos would hit leadoff and start in centerfield. The rest of his outfield? Morris said sophomore Dale Carey, who made that crazy SportsCenter Top 10 catch in the regional loss to Florida, junior Chantz Mack and senior Rony Rodriguez will split those spots, with Rodriguez likely to serve as the designated hitter when he's not in left field.

"Those guys are all hitting about .200 so far this spring," Morris said. "But they've proven they can hit before so they'll be fine."

Morris said Rodriguez (.308, 13 HRs, 44 RBI) will probably hit right behind or in front of O'Brien, the Bethune-Cookman transfer who hit .304 with 14 home runs and 69 RBI last season. Other than hitting Santos in the leadoff spot, Morris said he's not sure where anybody else will hit just yet.

MORE TIDBITS

> Morris said if Broad and Perez aren't ready to start the season, freshman Jarred Mederos would start at shortstop and freshman Alex Fernandez Jr. would start at second base. "Alex has improved a lot as a hitter since this fall," Morris said. "He's pitched good too."

> The Canes are ranked 13th in the USA Today/Coaches' Top 25 preseason poll. "I'm happy with where we're at," Morris said. "I wish I still had a vote. I really enjoyed voting in it. I'd get the scores on Sunday night and couldn't wait to send my votes in. I'm not sure who is voting now. They don't tell you."

> Aside from the players already mentioned, Morris was complimentary of junior catcher Alex San Juan and freshman catcher Garrett Kennedy. "San Juan has looked good, made some real progress," Morris said. "Kennedy is going to be a good player here."

> Morris said one thing he's noticed about Erickson is that "he's matured a lot."

"I'm sure at times he thought his career was over with after two arm surgeries," Morris said. "Then being forced to move to Tallahassee because that's where your parents live. That's like being forced to go you know where. You can fill in the blank. It's a been a long process for him. Then the process of getting your sixth year of eligibility that wasn't an easy to thing do, a lot of paperwork and a lot of time. But we're very excited for him."

Cardinals OF, former Cane Jon Jay to host celebrity bowling event Saturday on Miami Beach

Despite always being a profoundly good left-handed hitter for average and very good defensively, Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay said he's never played on a team where he's been the best or even the second-best player in the lineup. 

"I mean you look at the teams I played on at [Miami] Columbus [High] and the University of Miami -- we had so much talent," said Jay, who hit .297 in 159 games last year for St. Louis.

"But you don't always have to be the best to be successful. You just have to believe in yourself, work hard and good things can happen for you. I've been very blessed."

A lot of good things have certainly happened for the 26-year old Miami native who recently became engaged. After leading Columbus to its first baseball state championship in 2003 and earning All-ACC First Team honors at UM, Jay helped guide the Cardinals last October to the World Series in just his second big-league season.

Now, he's hoping to give back some of the good fortune he's received by hosting a charity bowling tournament featuring other major leaguers with local ties Saturday night from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lucky Strike Lanes in Miami Beach, 1691 Michigan Avenue.

The event, called Jon Jay's Celebrity Bowling Challenge, will raise money for the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust and will feature about a dozen big league ball players. Among those expected to attend: Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez, Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez, Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer, Indians pitcher Chris Perez, Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia and Rays infielder Sean Rodriguez. Tickets ($100 per person and available at jonjaychallenge.com) include food and drinks, plus the opportunity to bowl and hang out with players.

"I've done a lot of [community service] during the season when I've played in St. Louis and when I've come home I've visited homeless shelter and hospitals before. But I wanted to do an event where I could give the money to charity and have it be a community thing with the guys down here who are sort of the next generation in the big leagues."

Jay, who scored the tying run in the bottom of the 10th inning on Lance Berkman's two-run single with two outs in the Cardinals come-from-behind win in Game 6 of the World Series, got a chance earlier this month to shake hands with President Barack Obama when the Cardinals were invited to the White House.

"It was crazy man and a lot of fun," Jay said of St. Louis' run from 10 1/2 games out of a wild card spot heading into the final month of the season to winning it all.

"It's going to be a lot different with [manager] Tony [LaRussa] leaving and then Albert [Pujols]. But when you look at our roster I still think we have a great team. We have Matt Holiday and Lance Berkman and Yadier [Molina] who is one of the best catchers in the game and we got [Rafael] Furcal back. I mean we played the whole season last year without Adam Wainwright. People don't realize how important he was our team. I mean the guy won 20 games. So we're getting him back and Jaime [Garcia] is coming back. The whole team is pretty much coming back except Albert. Our bullpen has some good young guys who are coming back. I think we're all excited about coming back."

The Cardinals, who share their spring training facility in Jupiter with the Marlins, will open the season at the Marlins new ballpark April 4.

"I drive by it everyday on the 836 when I'm home," Jay said. "It's beautiful. I'm excited I'll get to be a part of history when it opens."

Former Bethune-Cookman star catcher O'Brien enrolled at UM, seeking waiver to play

Former Bethune-Cookman star catcher Peter O'Brien has enrolled at UM and he hopes to play for the Hurricanes as a senior once he receives a waiver from the NCAA.

O'Brien (6-4, 220) was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round last June after a stellar three-year career at B-CC. But he didn't sign with the club before the Aug. 15 deadline, allowing him to return to college.

The former standout at Miami's Braddock High wrapped up his career at B-CC playing in a total of 168 games, hitting a total of 38 home runs and 38 doubles, while racking up 154 RBI and a .336 batting average. In his time behind the plate, he collected 1038 putouts and 148 assists, for a .985 fielding percentage.

UM's sports information department said O'Brien is allowed to practice with the team, but still needs a special waiver from the NCAA to be eligible to play this coming season. Last year, UM received a waiver for USC transfer and first baseman Cade Kreuter.

PG Shane Larkin signs, but must sit; Canes unveil baseball class

CORAL GABLES -- We interrupt your Hurricanes football frenzy for news on the baseball and basketball teams. First hoops.

Shane Larkin, a transfer from DePaul, officially signed with UM Friday and is enrolled in classes, but can't play this season per NCAA transfer rules.

The son of former Cincinnati Reds All-Star shortstop Barry Larkin left the Chicago-based school in July for an undisclosed medical reason.

The 5-foot-10, 160-pound point guard from Orlando Dr. Phillips High was the Class 6A Player of the Year runner-up to Austin Rivers as a senior after leading his team to a 27-6 record and the state championship while averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.5 steals per game.

Larkin will be allowed to practice with the team this season.

BASEBALL: Now to the diamond where UM announced it's signing class Friday. According to UM's sports information staff the Canes could announce two more signings in the coming days...

HERE'S WHO IS ALREADY IN:
Chris Diaz, SP, L/L, 6-0, 200, Gulliver Prep
- Went 8-2 with a 2.45 ERA and 66 strikeouts as a senior to earn All-Dade First Team honors by The Miami Herald.

Alexander Fernandez, 2B, R/R, 5-9, 180, Archbishop McCarthy
- Son of former UM pitcher and Marlin Alex Fernandez. Drafted in the 46th round by the Tigers in 2011 Draft. Hit .513 with 34 RBI and went 10-0 with 50 Ks a senior, leading his team to back-to-back state championships. Named First Team All-Broward Class 4A-1A by The Miami Herald.

Sean Hurley, 3B, R/R, 6-2, 210, Sarasota High
- Hit .371 with six homers and 23 RBI as a senior.

Garrett Kennedy, C, S/R, 6-1, 185, Archbishop McCarthy
- Named Honorable Mention Class 4A-1A for The Miami Herald.

Vince Kossak, RP, R/R, 6-2, 175, Palm Beach State College
- Went 4-0 with a 4.96 ERA as a sophomore, 32 Ks, 28 BBs.

Patrick Kulick, RP, L/L, 6-1, 205, Parkland Douglas
- According to InsideTheU.com, Georgetown, Florida, Florida State, Wake Forest, and Duke were among the schools recruiting Kulick before he picked the Hurricanes. This past season was frustrating for Kulick, who suffered a minor right knee injury, which prevented him from only playing in 12 games. He hit .500 with two home runs and only pitched three innings and did not allow a run. He hit .421 with 5 homers and 26 steals as a junior.

Jake Lane, OF, R/R 6-0, 185, Tavernier Coral Shores
- Selected in the 45th round by Arizona in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Lane was The Key West Citizen's 2011 Monroe County Baseball Player of the Year after he hit .493 batting average with seven home runs and 28 RBI. Had a 4.56 GPA, was Senior Class President and Homecoming King.

Jarred Mederos, SS, R/R, 5-11, 175, Hialeah Mater Academy
- Third Team All-Dade Class 4A-1A as a senior.

Eric Nedeljkovic, RP, R/R, 6-1, 185, Sierra College (Rocklin, Calif.)
- Went 1-2 with a 2.05 ERA and 7 saves in 19 games at Sierra College.

Ryan Otero, RP, R/R 6-3, 200, Miami Ransom Everglades
- Hit .394 with two homers and 14 RBI as a senior according to MaxPreps.

Tyler Palmer, SS, R/R, 5-11, 190, University of Florida
- He hit .610 with 37 RBI, 24 stolen bases and six homers as a senior at the University School. Palmer hit .286 in nine games, making four starts, in 2011 for the Gators. He's eligible to play immediately at UM in 2012.

Alex San Juan, C, R/R, 5-11, 205, Miami-Dade College
- Hit .310 with two homers and 19 RBI in 34 games with the Sharks as a college sophomore. Formerly of Miami Columbus.

Andy Suarez, SP, L/L, 6-2, 190, Miami Columbus
- Went 4-3 with a 1.65 ERA, 58 strikeouts as a senior at Columbus. He was 5-1 with 83 strikeouts and a 1.65 ERA as a junior when he was named Class 6A Pitcher of The Year. Selected in the ninth round, 289th overall by Toronto in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Esteban Tresgallo, C, 6-2, 200, R/R, Colegio Marista, Puerto Rico
- Selected by the Mariners in the 50th round of the 2011 draft.

> UM had four other players who were originally part of their 2011 signing class who ended up elsewhere. Third baseman Cory Spangenberg (Indian River State College) was taken 10th overall by the Padres in the 2011 draft and signed with them; Huntington Beach, Calif. left-hander Henry Owens was drafted 36th overall and signed with the Red Sox; Wekiva High (Orlando area) right-hander Jace Herrera is no longer going to sign with UM; and Deltona High shortstop Jack Lopez signed after being drafted in the 16th round by the Royals.

Gino DiMare said he's returning to UM for one thing -- getting the Canes back to Omaha

When Gino DiMare stepped down as UM's assistant head coach in 2008, it wasn't because he was disappointed with what he was getting out of his hitters or he was doing a bad job as recruiting coordinator.

Fatherhood was calling.

"Coach [Jim] Morris certainly didn't want me to leave," said DiMare, who served as an assistant from 1997 to 2008 and the team's recruiting coordinator over his last nine seasons. "I had two kids -- [ages] three, one, and another one on the way. My life had changed kind of quickly. It's tough when you're away from your family. People don't realize that. When they hear a coach say 'I'm stepping away to be with my family,' they think that's a cop out, bologna deal. It is for some guys. But it wasn't for me. I had a really tough time getting on a plane and being away from my kids all summer.

"Three years later, I have three daughters who are 6, 4 and 2 and I think they're all dying for me to get out of the house."

Nobody was happier to hear that than Morris, whose team hasn't been able to get back to the College World Series -- or past the University of Florida -- since DiMare left.

The team’s batting average this past season was just .275, a low that hadn't been seen in the program since the Canes hit .273 in 1979.

Miami’s offense ranked among the top 10 in school history in eight of DiMare's nine seasons as the club's hitting instructor. The 2008 team that advanced to the College World Series and spent much of the season atop the national collegiate baseball polls finished the year hitting at a school eighth-best .320 average, while also ranking tied for second in home runs (106), fourth in slugging percentage (.541), eighth in total bases (1,202) and RBI (517), tied for ninth in doubles (135) and 10th in hits (711).

"I'm not coming back to just get to an NCAA Tournament," DiMare said. "Coach Morris knows how I am. He and [pitching coach] JD [Arteaga] are used to winning and going to Omaha. The fans are used to that. I am as a former coach and player at Miami. I certainly wouldn't be coming back if I didn't feel the program could get back to Omaha. I wouldn't put myself in that situation. I think we can get it turned around. I don't think they're that far off. But there's no doubt we have to get it going in some areas, hitting is one big area where we have to get it turned around. And we will get it turned around."

DiMare is already familiar with at least two of UM's top returning hitters -- shortstop Stephen Perez and infielder Michael Broad, two players he recruited to UM before leaving.

DiMare, who will share the recruiting responsibilities with Arteaga, previously helped recruit former stars Yonder Alonso, Ryan Braun, Jon Jay, Gaby Sanchez, Danny Valencia and Jemile Weeks – all of whom have reached the big leagues in recent years.

Thursday, his first official day on the job, DiMare said he was already out watching a double-header of games in South Florida and was preparing to meet with Arteaga and Morris in the evening to discuss their recruiting plan.

DiMare said he plans to be aggressive in finding players who can help UM right away.

"Recruiting has changed in that kids are committing a lot earlier now," DiMare said. "We have commitments not only for 2012, but we got commitments for 2013 and upcoming juniors. My last couple years I saw schools become very aggressive in getting kids to commit early, which I'm not a big fan of. But that's the way the game is played and that's the we're going to play it."

Former Canes Gaby Sanchez, Chris Perez and Ryan Braun selected to MLB All-Star game

ARLINGTON, Texas -- University of Miami baseball coach Jim Morris called Indians closer and former Hurricane Chris Perez Sunday morning to wish him a happy and belated 26th birthday.

Morris had no idea he'd be calling him back a few hours later to congratulate him on something else -- getting his first invite to the All-Star Game. Perez and two former Hurricanes teammates -- Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun -- were picked to represent their respective leagues Sunday, making them the first trio in Hurricanes history to play in the same Midsummer Classic.

Perez went into Sunday tied for third in the American League with 19 saves, a 2-3 record and a 2.37 ERA. Sanchez is the Marlins team leader in batting average (.293) and RBI (46) and has 13 homers. Braun is hitting .310 (10th best in NL) with 16 homers (tied for 10th most in NL) and 62 RBI (4th-most in NL).

"That's great news," Morris told The Miami Herald Sunday afternoon after hearing the news. "I talked to Chris this morning and didn't even know it. Maybe he didn't either. They probably hadn't announced it yet. But it's great news. We've had some really good players here over the years and it's a credit to our guys and our assistant coaches for getting to the next level and continuing their success."

For Braun, the leading vote getter in the National League, it's his fourth consecutive All-Star Game appearance. But for Sanchez and Perez it marks the first time in their careers they've been All-Stars. The only other time UM has had more than one former Hurricane in the same All-Star Game was in 2001 when catcher Charles Johnson and outfielder Greg Vaughn each made it.

Prior to Sunday's selections, UM had only had five former players make it to the Midsummer Classic -- pitcher Danny Graves (2000, '04), pitcher Neal Heaton (1990), Johnson ('97, '01), Vaughn (93, 96, 98, 01) and Braun. Former Dodgers, Marlins and Mets catcher Mike Piazza played six games at UM before going pro. He played in 12 All-Star Games, but he doesn't really consider himself a former Hurricane. He played more at Miami-Dade College.

The Hurricanes currently have 10 former players up in the major leagues. Aside from the three All-Stars, outfielders Pat Burrell and Aubrey Huff are playing for the Giants, infielder Alex Cora is with the Nationals, outfielder Jason Michaels is with the Astros, outfielder John Jay is with the Cardinals, third baseman Danny Valencia is with the Twins, and former second baseman Jemile Weeks was recently called up by the Oakland A's.

> Hurricanes designated hitter Cade Kreuter, meanwhile, was selected to play in the California Collegiate League (CCL) All-Star Game July 13 in Glendale, Calif.

Kreuter, a USC transfer who hit .228 with nine RBI in 57 at-bats as a sophomore for UM, has eight hits (three doubles) and three RBI for the CCL’s Academy Barons this summer. He has started 11 of 13 games. The game will be televised live nationally on Fox Sports Net.

Jim Morris expects team MVP Zeke DeVoss to sign with Cubs this weekend

Jim Morris isn't feeling sorry for himself. But somebody ought to give him a hug. 

After losing for the third straight year to the rival Florida Gators in the NCAA Tournament, the last few weeks haven't been kind to Morris or his University of Miami baseball team.

The team's top two incoming recruits -- third baseman Corey Spangenberg and left-handed pitcher Henry Owens -- were taken in the first round of the MLB Draft. He doesn't expect to get either of them.

Seven of his underclassmen were drafted and six according to Morris (infielder Harold Martinez, outfielder Nathan Melendres, catcher David Villasuso and pitchers Danny Miranda, Sam Robinson and Travis Miller) have already signed with their respective pro teams. Now Morris said he expects the one that hasn't, center fielder and team MVP Zeke DeVoss, to sign with the Cubs when he flies to Chicago on Saturday and meets with team officials.

"We just haven't been very lucky the last two years when it comes to the pro draft," Morris said Thursday. "I was hoping Zeke would come back, but it's probably not going to happen.

"Ultimately, at the end of the day if the pro people want them, they're going to get them. The only thing I can do is offer them a scholarship and tell 'em I love 'em. They can offer them a scholarship, tell them they love 'em and give 'em a million bucks."

The Hurricanes, who finished 38-23 and ranked 24th in USA Today's final college baseball poll, will have to holes to fill over the next few weeks. Morris said that starts with replacing his three best relief pitchers, a center fielder, a first baseman and a catcher.

"The strength of our team is going to be the starting rotation -- we've got all those guys back," Morris said. "We've got Rony Rodriguez coming back, who was our leading home run guy and RBI guy. He made as much improvement as anybody on the team. But we have to improve offensively. Some guys will be good players. We just have to make some adjustments."

Morris is working on that.

In the two weeks since hitting coach Joe Mercandante stepped down after four years on the job, Morris said he's spoken to people across all levels of baseball -- from super agent Scott Boras to general managers and scouting directors, who have all recommended someone for the job. Morris said he's narrowed his list down to five candidates and expects to make a hire in the next two weeks so that the new assistant coach can begin recruiting and evaluating players in the offseason.

"I've been absolutely bombarded with phone calls," Morris said. "I'm trying to make the right decisions based on a lot things. The No. 1 thing is to make our hitters better.

"Some of these guys don't want me to mention names. But I've had quite a few former players who played here and played for me in other places who have applied for a position. It's a hard thing for me. It's hard to talk to some of my former players and say 'No.' I've made some players mad at me over the years. In the end, I have to name one person. This is a very important call for me."

Miami, which hasn't been to the College World Series since 2008, finished 181st in batting average last season (.275), tied for 158th with 5.5 runs a game (333 total) and tied for 98th with 33 home runs. Three of the team's top four hitters won't be coming back. Last season, UM hit .295, averaged 7.5 runs a game (478 total) and hit 106 homers.

UM does have a few talented players who signed National Letters of Intent that could be coming in. Miami Columbus High left-hander Andrew Suarez (a 9th round pick), shortstop Jack Lopez (16th round pick) out of Deltona, right-hander Jace Herrera (36th round pick) out of Apopka and right-hander/outfielder Alex Fernandez Jr. (46th round pick). Morris said he also has verbal commitments from two junior college prospects and a transfer from another four-year program he can't talk about because they haven't signed National Letters of Intent.

But he's not counting on anybody coming until after midnight August 15th, the last day players can sign with the teams that drafted them.

"Last year we lost seven guys in the last 24 hours of that weekend," Morris said. "[Marlins first round pick] Christian Yelich signed at 11:59. At 11:58, we thought he was coming to school.

"I had a kid tell me once they weren't going to sign unless they got $500,000. He signed at the last minute for $75,000. So I never say this guy is coming or that guy is definitely coming. It's frustrating, but I try not to think about it. We just got have a little luck. We have to keep Jack Lopez. We need to keep [Andrew] Suarez. The guys who were drafted, we'll start with those guys and say we need to keep those guys. I'm not saying we will. But we need to."

> One player who definitely won't be coming back is freshman catcher Shane Rowland, who asked for his release. The former Tampa Catholic Aflac All-American started 41 games and hit .175 with one homer and 13 RBI. Morris said Rowland is probably headed to Junior College.

Martinez, DeVoss taken on Day 2 of MLB Draft

Harold Martinez didn't have the type of season many expected him to -- even himself.

After leading the ACC in home runs with 21 as a sophomore and leading the Canes with 69 RBI, he hit just three home runs and drove in 38 runs as a junior. It wasn't the kind of output scouts were hoping to see -- regardless of the new aluminum bats being used in college baseball. 

But early Tuesday afternoon, as he sat in his house and followed the draft online, his biggest dream came true. With the last pick in the second round, 90th overall, the Philadelphia Phillies took Martinez. And after living out one dream for the last three years at Miami, Martinez is almost certain he's ready to go pro.

"There’s a lot left [at UM], but I’m pretty sure I’m going to go ahead and take this opportunity," said Martinez, who spoke with Miami Herald reporter Adam Beasley. "I had two dreams in my life, UM and play in the major leagues. I’ve already achieved one of those goals. It’s time to chase the other."

Martinez's agent/advisor, Mike Maulini, said he's never had to work harder for one of his players than he had to with Martinez. Convincing teams his rough junior season at UM was simply a hiccup on the way to a great career wasn't an easy sell.

"In my 13 years of being an agent this is on top of the list as far as working hard for a player," Maulini said. "He is an amazing young man and I am extremely happy for him and his family."

Martinez said he has a lot to improve on moving forward. But he's looking forward to it. "I knew I was going to get drafted no matter what, and I’d have chance to chase my dream," Martinez said. "You're always scared you’re not going to go real high because I didn’t have the year I thought I would. But I love baseball and I knew I’d be drafted by someone."

Teammate Zeke DeVoss didn't go long after Martinez. He was taken eight picks later by the Chicago Cubs, 98th overall and early in the third round. DeVoss, who led UM with a .340 batting average and the ACC with 32 stolen bases, was a little surprised he went so early.

"“I was actually at home [in Miami], laying in bed," DeVoss said. "I wasn’t really expecting it. I had the draft on my computer and heard my name. It is a tremendous blessing. To get drafted by such a great club like the Chicago Cubs, I’m really excited.”

DeVoss is only a sophomore, but because his 21st birthday on July 17 falls before the signing cut-off he was eligible for this year's draft. So will he also be leaving UM behind?

"The Cubs are going to be calling back in the next couple of days to discuss things," DeVoss said. "I don’t intend on having it be something that lasts all summer. I’ll decide in the next week or two. At this point, it’s really 50-50. I would like to sign, but I wouldn’t have any problem with coming back next year. This is a great place. It’s great to play under Coach Morris. To get a degree from UM, I’m sure anybody in the world would love to do that."

The Cardinals plucked junior left-handed closer Danny Miranda with the 260th pick in the eight round. Miranda went 3-1 with a 2.67 ERA and 15 saves this past season.

Two UM signees were taken on the first day of the draft -- and likely will end up going pro.

Cory Spangenberg, the top position player UM signed, was taken 10th overall by the Padres out of Indian River Community College.

Left-handed pitcher Henry Owens, a lanky 6-foot-7 hurler from one Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., was taken 36th overall -- third in the compensatory round -- by the Boston Red Sox.

On Tuesday, Miami Columbus pitcher Andy Suarez, a left-hander who also signed with UM, was taken in the ninth round by the Blue Jays, 289th overall. Maulini, who serves as Suarez's advisor, said he expects the Blue Jays to make a hard run at signing Suarez.

Canes headed back to Gainesville for regionals -- meet Jacksonville at noon Friday

Maybe the third time will be the charm.

The Miami Hurricanes (36-21) learned Monday afternoon they'll have to get through the Florida Gators (45-16) if they're going to earn their first trip to Omaha since 2008. 

Second-seeded UM was placed in the Gainesville Regional and will open NCAA Tournament play at noon Friday against third-seeded Jacksonville (36-22). The double elimination tournament also features fourth-seeded Manhattan (34-17). The Gators, ranked No. 1 in the final Baseball America poll, are seeded second overall in the 64-team tournament behind Virginia. All games at the Gainesville regional will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

The Hurricanes, who are making a record 39th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance (but have only hosted a regional twice in the last six years), have been eliminated by Florida each of the past two seasons. Last year, UF knocked UM off in the Super Regional. In 2009, the Gators eliminated UM in the regional round. Earlier this season, UM was swept in Gainesville by scores of 8-3, 1-0 and 5-3. The Gators have won nine of the last 10 meetings overall.

UM, ranked 16th by Baseball America, is 79-19 all-time against Jacksonville and has won eight in a row in the series dating back to 2004. The Dolphins finished second in the Atlantic Sun Conference with a 19-11 record and was ranked in the top 10 nationally in several offensive categories. The Dolphins’ signature win was an 11-2 victory over No. 2 Florida at McKethan Stadium on May 17, while also going 9-7 against team ranked in the top 60 in RPI

The winner of the Gainesville Regional is scheduled to meet the winner of the Georgia Tech Regional. The Yellow Jackets (49-19) are the top seed and are joined by second-seeded Southern Miss (39-17), third-seeded Mississippi State (34-23) and fourth-seeded Austin Peay (33-22). The Canes were swept by Georgia Tech at home back in late March.

Canes looking to shut door on FSU this time

You don't have to remind Danny Miranda how much losing last year's series at Florida State hurt the Hurricanes. 

He was on the mound for the first of two ninth-inning rallies the Seminoles pulled off on back-to-back days to beat UM. Trailing by one in the bottom of the ninth, FSU loaded the bases with no outs on a single, a walk and an error before Stuart Tapley hit a double to straight-away center off Miranda to bring in the game-tying and game-winning runs. The Canes led 7-3 before FSU scored five runs over the final two innings.

The next day, Mike McGee hit a two-out, two-run home run off Taylor Wulf in the ninth to rally the Seminoles to a 7-6 win.

"It felt like we were ahead 25 of the 27 innings we played," Miranda lamented earlier this week. "It was tough. All I know is we can't wait to play them again, here, in our place."

UM, which has won 14 of 16 to climb to 28-13 and as high as No. 14 in some polls, gets it shot at revenge starting Friday night at Alex Rodriguez Park. FSU junior lefty Sean Gilmartin (7-1, 1.38 ERA), who is coming off a 13-strikeout complete-game performance against Duke, will face freshman left-hander Brad Radziewski (6-2, 3.23 ERA) in the series opener.

The ninth-ranked Seminoles (31-10) are one of the top run-scoring teams in the nation, scoring an average of 7.8 times per game (ninth in the nation). FSU also leads D-I teams in doubles (106) and base on balls (272). The Hurricanes’ strength is their pitching – they entered the week ranked eighth nationally in strikeouts per nine innings (8.9) and ninth in hits allowed per nine innings (7.34).

This time, if Miranda (3-1, 3.33 ERA) gets a lead handed to him he feels more confident he'll be able to maintain it. The junior left-hander, who had just five saves last season, has 11 in 12 chances already (second most in the ACC). The reason for improvement? He's developed enough confidence in a slider to throw it against lefties, something he couldn't really do a year ago.

"I had it last year, but it was inconsistent," Miranda said. "It’s gotten a lot better, helped gotten me out of a lot of situations against lefties. Before whenever I faced lefties I would just go fastball. I couldn’t throw a changeup to a lefty, it would go in on them. [UM coach Jim Morris] always pushed me to develop a third pitch to make me more effective. I was fastball-changeup all through last year. It helps me with righties. But against lefties, it was all fastball. Once I developed that slider, it throws them off. It’s helped me out a lot."

A FEW MORE BASEBALL TIDBITS...

> For all of those who wanted Jim Morris out after his team's 4-7 start, chew on this: Since the 61-year old skipper's return from gall bladder surgery and its complications (officially March 8), UM's struggling bats have gone from hitting .229 to .277. 

Lead-off hitter Zeke DeVoss said Morris calmed he and his teammates down and got them to focus on what they needed to do after being frustrated by the little success they were having with their new wood-like bats.

"We had a team meeting a couple days after I got out of the hospital and I told them they needed to relax and start swinging, getting their hacks in, don’t get cheated," Morris said.

"I felt like we were too defensive as a team in the way we were swinging the bat. We were trying to execute, feeling for it, not relaxing, particularly in 2-1, 3-1 counts we weren’t getting our hacks in. If you're out in front, that’s fine. I don’t care. If there was a fastball, step into it and drive it. I think once that started happening, we were fine. I think that helped with the pitching too. Now they were going out and not thinking about I got to shut them out every time. It was just kind of a team thing. We played better after that. We still got a huge month left in the season before the ACC Tournament."

DeVoss, who started the season 11 for 48 (.229) with only six runs scored, has hit .350 (35 for 100) and scored 37 runs since Morris' return. Clean-up hitter Harold Martinez, who got off to a 6 for 40 start (.150) with only five RBI, has hit .356 (37 for 104) and driven in 27 RBI over the same span.

> Speaking of Martinez, it's amazing how he's gone from hitting an ACC-leading 21 homers a year ago to hitting just three entering this weekend's series against the Noles. But before anybody jumps on him, realize UM has hit just 23 homers to date. Last year, they slugged 106 as a team.

Give Martinez credit for finding other ways to help his team. He leads the Canes with nine sacrifice hits and has nine multi-RBI games. He's also currently on a 10-game hitting streak.

> Morris isn't complaining about the lack of home run production. He likes low-scoring baseball and games that have to be won with steals and sacrifice bunts (UM leads the ACC in both). He just wishes the new bats being made "were equal."

"If every bat was the exactly the same, then it would come to players and execution," Morris said. "But it's not."

> Morris believes his team is in a strong position to host a regional if it wins this series against the Seminoles.

As it stands, Baseball America projects UM as the first "bubble team out" when it comes to hosting a regional because UM is still fifth in the pecking order among ACC hosting candidates. According to Baseball America, though UM has the head-to-head edge over UNC, it is still just 7-8 against the top 50, compared with UNC's 10-6 mark. Should UM win its series against Florida State this weekend, it will pass the idle Tar Heels, however.

Still, Baseball America says, Stetson (No. 25) could have a better chance to earn the Sunshine State's third regional site, because the committee has shown a preference for putting regionals in new places when mid-majors have put together strong seasons. The RPI might wind up causing Stetson to be a No. 2 seed (though its 8-3 mark against the top 50 and 15-4 record against the top 100 both trump Miami's 7-8 and 16-11 marks), but it could still host as a No. 2, potentially with UM as the No. 1.

Canes head to Gainesville without Morris

CORAL GABLES -- The last time Hurricanes outfielder Nathan Melendres saw Jim Morris, he and his teammates watched in disbelief from their dugout as their 61-year old coach was taken by ambulance to a nearby campus hospital.

A week later, as the Canes prepare to face No. 1-ranked Florida (7-1) in a three-game series this weekend, Melendres and his teammates got on a bus bound for Gainesville Thursday knowing that at the very least Morris -- who had emergency surgery to remove his gall bladder last Friday -- was finally home resting.

"Obviously great news," Melendres said. "He's a big part of the program. He's the chief of our staff. He takes care of us. We care about him. He cares about us.

"As soon as we saw him in the ambulance getting taken out of here, we were all really worried. We only want the best for him."

Morris, who had been to the hospital earlier last week complaining of stomach pains, expected to be out of the hospital sooner. But complications from an infection kept him in the hospital longer than anticipated.

When will he be able to get back to coaching? Not at least for another two weeks per doctor's orders. For now, it will be rest and relaxation while the struggling 24th-ranked Canes (4-4) try to find their footing after a rough start to the season.

"I'm meeting doctors again on Monday, and we will find out more about how I'm progressing at that time," Morris said in a statement released by the school. "I'm anxious to rejoin the team."

According to acting manager J.D. Arteaga, the team's pitching coach, he's been speaking to Morris twice a day. Arteaga said they talk about lineups and what the two-time national championship winning coach wants the team to focus on in practice.

"It's tough," Arteaga said. "You don't want to bother him when he's not feeling well. But at the same time I try to get as much guidance from him as I can. I know he's anxious to get out here. He's fired up."

The Canes don't need any extra reasons to be fired up for this weekend's showdown against top-ranked Florida. The Gators have knocked UM out of the post-season each of the last two years. In last year's Super Regional, UM committed seven errors in an extra inning loss. It's a game, Arteaga, said still haunts the sophomores and juniors on the team.

"It creates an itch inside you that just bothers you, makes you want to go out there and shove it in their face before they do it again to you," Melendres said of beating the Gators. "Ranked No. 1, No. 10, whatever. They're UF. They've beat us the last two years. There's enough motivation for us to go out there and play with fire."

The good news for UM is they'll have at least one of their best hitters back from injury this weekend. Outfielder Chris Pelaez, who finished second on the team last season with a .314 average, was cleared by doctors this week after straining his left shoulder playing catch in the preseason. Pelaez was available to hit in Tuesday's loss to USF. But Arteaga said it simply wasn't the right scenario.

Pelaez will serve as a pinch hitter Friday against the Gators and likely be re-inserted in the lineup as a designated hitter on Saturday.

"I'm just trying to strengthen it up back to where it should be," Pelaez said of his shoulder. "It's always tough not being able to help the team out and being able to play. Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things."

The Canes would obviously love to do that against the Gators. Pelaez said after only eight games there is no way the team could be in desperation mode. But Arteaga and his players believe they have to start turning things around soon.

"If we come out and have a strong series, win or lose, it will give us a jump start for the rest of the season," Melendres said. "We just have to come out with attitude, play hard."

Brissett signs with UF; Canes focus on other QBs

The Miami Hurricanes' chase of Palm Beach Dwyer quarterback Jacoby Brissett is officially over.

Three days after announcing at a basketball he wanted to play for the Gators, the U.S. Army All-American quarterback faxed his signed National Letter of Intent to Gainesville on Monday despite the efforts of his mother to sway him back toward the Canes.

Brissett (6-5, 225) was the top remaining unsigned quarterback in the country and said on Friday that he narrowed his choices down to UM and UF. But he chose to follow his heart -- and three former Dwyer teammates -- to Gainesville, against his mother's wishes.

Former Michigan standout Tate Forcier and Rutgers freshman All-American Tom Savage remain transfer possibilities for the Hurricanes at quarterback. Both would have to sit out the 2011 season if they picked UM per NCAA transfer rules. Forcier is reportedly going to visit UM sometime this week.

Just my opinion, but of the two, Savage is more likely to end up a Hurricane. Forcier had academic issues before leaving Michigan and is more likely to end up closer to home on the West Coast. Savage's grandparents own a home in South Florida.

> As the Canes look for a quarterback of the future, here is an interesting read from Rivals about Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, who had zero offers coming out of high school.

> The Hurricanes could end up adding another defensive tackle to their 2011 signing class sometime this week. According to InsideTheU.com, Bradenton Manatee senior Quinton Pompey (6-3, 275) still remains unsigned and is waiting on Miami according to his high school coach. Pompey's other offers are from Georgia Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Pompey was lightly recruited because of academic struggles, but has apparently worked them out according to his coach.

> Men's basketball coach Frank Haith, whose team pulled out two close home wins last week to keep their faint postseason hopes alive, said it looks like his two leading scorers Durand Scott and Malcolm Grant, and starting swingman Garrius Adams, finally appear to be getting past the flu.

The bigger concern? Sophomore center Reggie Johnson, who continues to battle issues with his right foot. Johnson, averaging 12 points and 9.9 rebounds a game (third most in the ACC), had bone spurs in his foot earlier this season. He played a season-high 34 minutes in Saturday's overtime win over Virginia.

"He has a reaction in his foot," Haith said during Monday's ACC teleconference. "We got to see that goes. He didn't practice Friday and I think he's going to be tabled at practice. We'll wait to see what the doctors say today."

> ESPN's Bruce Feldman said former UM coach Randy Shannon is supposed to interview for the vacant defensive coordinator job at Maryland later this week. Shannon interviewed for the same position with UCLA last month.

> Looks like another former Hurricanes assistant has landed at Alabama. Joe Pannunzio, who coached the special teams and tight ends under Shannon the last four years, has reportedly been hired in an "off the field role" by Nick Saban. Alabama hired former offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland last month.

> Just a reminder: the Hurricanes baseball team will have its team banquet Friday night at 6 p.m. and Fan Fest Saturday at 3 p.m. Jim Morris' team opens its season at home a week from Friday (Feb. 18) against Rutgers.

> Also, in case you missed Jorge Milian's blog from last week, UM is in talks with Florida State about scheduling next season's game as the season-opener on Labor Day. It's still not finalized.

Grandal signs with Reds before deadline

Former University of Miami catcher Yasmani Grandal has agreed to a four-year deal worth $3.2 million with the Cincinnati Reds late Monday night, the deadline for teams to sign players. Grandal, the ACC Player of the Year, was picked 12th overall in June by the Reds.

Grandal, who received a $2 million signing bonus, had of the most impressive offensive seasons in UM history, leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in batting average (.411), slugging percentage (.729) and on-base percentage (.538). 

"It brings me a new life," Grandal said Monday night. "I'm playing a little kids game and getting paid for it. Mom is delighted."

Grandal said he's been told he'll head out to Arizona for two weeks before being reassigned. "They're going to see how prepared I am and then after two weeks, they'll send me out somewhere," Grandal said. "I could go to Low-A, High-A. I guess if they think I'm ready I can go to Double A. We'll see."

Road Trip: Hurricanes Baseball Going North

Good evening Miami fans, hope you are enjoying Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Quite a series, eh?

Well, we should have quite an interesting baseball series this weekend in Gainesville.

The Canes and the Gators have had some epic postseason matchups in the past and this one should be pretty good as well.

First team to two wins goes to Omaha.

Got to love that kind of incentive.

Anyway, I'll be taking over this blog for the next couple of days (unless Manny gets a few more Northwestern kids to commit to Randy Shannon) and will try and keep everyone updated on the doings of the baseball bunch.

My rental car is fueled up, my bag is packed and I'm ready for a few hours of sleep before rolling up the Turnpike first thing in the morning.

I will have updates from Thursday's early afternoon practice in Gainesville from both Miami and Florida and will also be updating my Facebook and Twitter sites throughout the weekend. 

Feel free to sign up and join the fun.

For instant updates, sign up here:

Twitter: @OnFrozenPond

Facebook: On Frozen Pond

Go ahead and sign up for both. Might as well. Don't cost nothing.

Well, that's all I got. See you at the Turkey Lake Service Plaza.

-- George Richards

At midway point, UM baseball better than '09

After his team beat FAU last Wednesday night, Canes baseball coach Jim Morris opened his post game press conference by showing the women's basketball team a little love for reaching the NIT championship game.

Before he got any further, I threw a little jab his way for fun pointing out how Katie's Meier's club was the first UM team in a while (since the football team in 2002) to play for a postseason championship. "You trying to give me a little [grief]," Morris playfully responded before everyone in the room began laughing.

Even though the ninth-ranked Hurricanes (20-7, 10-2 ACC) own the same overall record at the midway point of the season this year as they did last year, you get the sense these Canes are a much better candidate to reach Omaha.

Improved team chemistry (Morris' No. 1 concern last year); a deeper, healthier, more consistent starting rotation (Eric Erickson's return has boosted the rotation); and a better offensive attack (seven players have scored at least 22 runs thus far) are reasons to feel more optimistic. 

"I don't think any team would compare to the '08 team we had," said No. 3 starter Jason Santana, a sixth-year senior who provided a little perspective on this year's team after the Canes' sweep of Wake Forest on Sunday. 

"But that being said, this team has a lot of chemistry together. We're a pretty tight knit group... everybody is playing pretty good at their spot. We're just looking forward to the second part of the season."

The second part of the season will be more challenging. None of the four ACC series UM won during the first half of the year (Boston College, Duke, N.C. State and Wake Forest) were played against teams with winning records in conference play. But four of the final six conference series -- Virginia Tech (6-6), Florida State (7-5), Georgia Tech (11-1) and Virginia (8-4) -- will be. 

Morris' No. 1 concern at the moment is finding a consistent closer at the backend of the bullpen. Right-hander David Gutierrez, who was given the job entering the season, has struggled to fill the shoes of former All-American closer Kyle Bellamy. Gutierrez has five saves, but a 7.62 ERA and Morris knows that won't be good enough.

The best candidate might be true freshman E.J. Encinosa, who in a team-leading 14 appearances has a 1.86 ERA out of the pen. But Morris doesn't appear ready to hand Encinosa such a big responsibility. 

"He has good enough stuff to do anything, be an outstanding starter or outstanding closer," Morris said. "It's something we've thought about and talked about. Whether he's ready for that, I'm not sure at this point time. But there's no question he has good enough stuff to do that. That's the most important role we have to figure out. If you don't get it done late, you don't go to Omaha.

"He's just a baby. We're trying to bring him along."

> Morris isn't complaining about what catcher Yasmani Grandal is doing these days. Not only his he providing leadership, but his bat has been red hot. Grandal is hitting .388 and has on-base percentage of .504, both stats rank in the Top 5 in the ACC. 

> Sophomore third baseman Harold Martinez has also upped his game. Not only is he hitting .324, second-best on the team, he leads UM with eight home runs and 28 RBI.

Two aces anchor UM pitching staff

Jim Morris knows you can win with speed and you can win with power in your lineup. He's done it both ways with the Hurricanes. But the one ingredient the veteran of 27 seasons knows he can't win without is pitching. And at least on paper, the 2010 Hurricanes appear to have one of the strongest veteran staffs in the country.

It's headlined not by just one ace, but two veteran Friday night starters: left-handers Eric Erickson and Chris Hernandez. Erickson, back after having missed the 2009 season following Tommy John surgery, has a career 19-5 record with a .327 ERA, 131 strike outs and 34 walks in 30 starts. Hernandez, Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's National Freshman of the Year in 2008, is 18-5 in his career with a 3.20 ERA with 210 strikeouts and 49 walks in 33 starts. 

And their teammates can't stop raving about how good they've looked -- especially Erickson, who spent the 2009 season watching his teammates struggle without a consistent No. 2 option.

"He's way better than he was two years ago," All-American catcher Yasmani Grandal said of Erickson. "He's always had his control. Right now, he has control with a better fastball, better stuff. He's worked on his offspeed and that makes him that much better. Overall, he's just a better pitcher."

Said sophomore third baseman Harold Martinez of Erickson: "He's just as good as everyone said he would be. He spots the ball perfectly, a lot of good off-speed stuff that stays low. He gives you nothing good to hit."

Hernandez, last year's Friday night starter, has received similar compliments after failing to live up to his stellar freshman season when he went 11-0 with a 2.72 ERA. He said he plans to how Erickson pitches on Friday nights and to take plenty of notes. 

“The way we throw, we feed off each other," Hernandez said. "We work together. I’m going to get that great opportunity to watch him throw on Friday nights and really see what the weaknesses are on the other team.”

UM pitching coach J.D. Arteaga said both will be on a strict 85 pitch count early on, but believes there is no reason to be concerned with either of his aces getting tired. "All we can go by so far is what he's done in intrasquad and he's had no setbacks," Arteaga said of Erickson. "His arm has been great. His velocity is good. Both him and Hernandez threw five innings last week and showed no signs of getting tired. Like any pitcher, he's going to get tired at some point. If we have to get him out early, we'll get him out early. But I wouldn't think he needs any special treatment than any other pitcher."

> Arteaga said he and Morris "could have gone either way" in deciding which of the two aces got the Friday night starter's role. Morris said Erickson simply showed more consistency. "His stuff is great," Arteaga said. "From the first time E's been on the mound, he's been throwing strikes, which is what makes him who he is, makes him successful.

"He just has to be very consistent in what he does. He doesn't throw real hard, but he throws hard enough. His curveball is not great, but it's good enough. The changeup is a very plus-plus pitch and he throws them for strikes with any count. That's always going to win in baseball."

> Arteaga said Hernandez's struggles last year (7-5, 4.76 ERA) had more to do with the stress he put on himself than the effort he was giving. Still, Arteaga admits, adjustments had to be made. And it appears Hernandez has made them. "He's doing a much better job getting ahead of guys and really being able to use his pitches as an advantage," Arteaga said. "His velocity was down a little bit last year. It's back up to what it was before. The biggest thing with him is not doing too much and just being Chris. Not trying to get everybody out with every pitch he throws. That's what got him in trouble last year."

> The third pitcher in UM's rotation will be sixth-year senior Jason Santana. The 6-3, 215-pound right hander has had three arm surgeries between high school and college. Yet, after going 6-1 a year ago with a 5.40 ERA, Morris said Santana has been as consistent as anyone in the spring and fall. "He's going after people, got a great strike-walk ratio, has pitched well enough to be in there," Morris said. "To me his only question is can he hold up physically, and hopefully he will."

> Freshman left-hander Steven Ewing won the battle with freshman right-hander Eric Whaley for the midweek, No. 4 starter's role. Arteaga said Ewing would likely see some middle relief work this weekend against Rutgers along with Whaley.

> The closer's role was won by senior David Gutierrez, who has big shoes to fill after the departure of All-American Kyle Bellamy. Gutierrez, whose older brother Carlos was UM's closer in 2008, has started 20 games in his career and gone 11-6 with a 4.33 ERA. Arteaga and Morris said he has the ingredients to handle it. Junior left-hander Iden Nazario, who went 7-6 with a 7.26 ERA in 15 starts a year ago in the No. 4 role, will be his setup man. 

"We didn't know what his brother was going to do a couple years ago and he went from the starting role to the closer role," Arteaga said of Gutierrez. "He throws strikes, has good movement. He can field his position, hold runners, do all the things you ask of a closer. As far as whether or not he's going to do a great job, we really don't know until he goes out there in the ninth inning, it's a one run ball game and its a pressure situation. Without a doubt, the toughest inning to throw is the ninth inning. But he's got all the things you need to be successful. So, we'll see once he gets out there."

If Gutierrez struggles, the Hurricanes might turn to freshman right hander E.J. Encinosa. "Stuff wise, he has the best stuff to be the closer on our team," Arteaga said. "It's a matter of getting his feet wet early on. Hopefully, he responds well to pressure in certain situations. If not this year, very soon I could see him being the closer. the guy throws 90-94 with great sink and a big time slider. If he throws strikes and handles the pressure well, we're going to have a good closer on our hands the next couple of years."

> Three pitchers are returning from offseason surgery according to Morris. But only two will likely be back in time for this season: right-handed reliever Taylor Wulf (2-0, 3.24 ERA) and sophomore right-hander Travis Miller (3-0, 4.33 ERA). Morris hopes to get both back by next month. It will probably take a little more time for senior right-hander Michael Rudman, who was 3-0 with a 1.71 ERA last year out of the bullpen. "Wulf is throwing long now, coming on good," Morris said. "[Miller] had [elbow nerve] surgery, but it's a lot less complicated than elbow or shoulder surgery. He's throwing now. We need him in the rotation."

Does UM have right chemistry to return to CWS?

Scott Lawson wasn't happy with the way the 2009 season ended for the University of Miami baseball team. It wasn't just the fact the Hurricanes were eliminated by the Gators or failed to make it out of the regional round for the second time in the last three years. Lawson felt there was something rotten at the core of the Canes. 

 He was upset with the same thing coach Jim Morris said plagued UM down the stretch in 2009 -- a lack of team chemistry. It was more than obvious role players weren't happy with their roles and guys on the bench weren't happy riding the pine. It caused friction, especially as the season spiraled away with seven losses in the month of May.

"Once adversity hit, everyone started panicking. People's attitudes started going different paths,'' the All-ACC second baseman said during the team's media day on Wednesday. "I think everyone last year was too uptight and too serious about everything. Some guys couldn't take jokes. Baseball, you can't be serious and emotional. You have to relax, have fun and play the game. It just seems like this year, everyone has that swagger that we're going to beat people and have fun.

"It seems like every day we're goofing around in the locker room and having a ball. But when we get on the field, everyone is so serious. We're all focused to get better in practice and focused on every little drill that we do. Coach puts out a big practice schedule, we're not complaining. We're working to get better."

The 2010 Hurricanes get started on what they hope will be a return trip to Omaha Friday night when they host Rutgers at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. Coming off a 38-22 season, the roster is sprinkled with plenty of veterans (especially in the pitching staff) and more than a few new faces. All-American catcher Yasmani Grandal, one of two Canes named to the Golden Spikes Award Watch List on Thursday (pitcher Chris Hernandez is the other), is the big bat in the middle of the lineup. But the foundation is speed throughout the lineup and an experienced and talented 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.

"I don't think we're good enough right now to say we're a shoe-in to be Omaha bound. But we have good talent, good athletes who want to get better," Morris said. "And the bottom line is whether you're a great athlete or not is, CYP. Can You Play? Can we get these guys together to play as a unit and can they get better? Once you get to Omaha, it's proven by many schools its all about who gets hot."

THE LINEUP

Morris didn't share an exact batting order with us Wednesday, but he did talk about who will be in the mix at each position and where they would probably be hitting in the lineup. Here a few notes...

> Freshman Stephen Perez, who played for former Hurricane Javi Rodriguez at Gulliver Prep, is slotted to start at shortstop and leadoff Friday. Drafted in the 18th round by the Reds, Perez is player Morris likens more to his high school coach than former shorstop Ryan Jackson. "He's a guy who can steal bases, bunt, play very solid defense," Morris said. "He's a switch hitter who can get on base.

> Scott Lawson, who hit .333 last season with four home runs, 34 RBI and 10 stolen bases, will start at second and likely hit behind Perez and in front of Grandal. Morris expects Lawson to steal more bases and benefit from hitting in front of Grandal, who hit .299, but belted 16 home runs and 45 RBI while walking 33 times and striking out 37. There could be times, Morris said, when Lawson moves to first base to allow freshman infielder Frankie Ratcliff to get in the lineup and play second. "I have no problems playing first," Lawson said. "It's just a bigger glove with the same ground balls."

> The team's most improved player according to Morris is sophomore catcher David Villasuso. He'll bat in the designated hitter spot when Grandal is behind the plate and switch every so often. The 5-10, 200-pound former Florida Christian star tore it up in the fall and is expected to hit much better than his .233 average with 6 RBI a year ago.

> Sophomore Harold Martinez, who hit .270 with nine home runs and 47 RBI, will be starting at third base and likely hitting behind Villasuso. Martinez, who made 19 errors last season, said he made defense his offseason focus. "I've worked hard getting bigger, stronger, faster," said Martinez, who has gained eight pounds of muscle in the offseason and is now listed at 6-3, 208. "I think I improved a lot from last year. Hopefully I'll have a better year." 

> First base is likely to become a spot of rotation with the hot bat staying in the lineup the longest. Senior Ryan Perry, who received a medical hardship waiver after missing the 2009 season, will get first crack after hitting .250 with 8 RBI in 23 game in 2008. He'll rotate with sophomore Rony Rodriguez, who hit .270 with two homers and 10 RBI at Miami-Dade last season. If both struggle and Radcliffe swings a better bat, Lawson could become the team's regular first baseman.

> The outfield: Sophomore Nate Melendres, who hit .272 with 20 RBI and 7 stolen bases in 51 starts last year, is the lone returning outfielder from a year ago. He'll move to right to allow speedy freshman Zeke DeVoss (who hit .518 with 18 RBI, 19 steals at Titusville Astronaut High) to take over in center field. "Zeke's the fastest guy on the team," Morris said. "He just has to learn to make better contact." Junior College transfer Chris Pelaez, who played at Louisville during the Cardinals run to the 2007 College World Series and sat out the 2008 season, will start out in left field. He hit .393 with five homers and 39 RBI at Miami-Dade last year. 

> Freshman Michael Broad a standout at Nova High and a Little League World Series star, could push for playing time in left or see time at short, third and second base because of his bat.  "Mike is a guy that can hit," Morris said. "That's his biggest asset. He can swing the bat. He knows how to play the infield. He's learning how to play the outfield. Probably initially his best shot to get in the lineup is in the outfield. If he hits, he'll play. But we're going to find a place for him. He's played some second, some short, some third and some left field. He's a guy if he hits, we'll have him in the lineup."

For more on the pitching staff, check out the next blog which should be up by Friday.

Fall ball opens with fresh faces, questions

University of Miami baseball coach Jim Morris was sporting a grin Thursday afternoon at Alex Rodriguez Park. His recent contract extension through the 2015 season was partly responsible.

The other reason for his glee? The start of fall baseball. "I enjoy what I do," Morris said. "My job is also my hobby."

His job this fall will be to try and find answers to some of the big questions facing his team. Among the biggest ones according to Morris:

> Who will replace All-American closer Kyle Bellamy?

> Who is going to help fill the lineup alongside catcher Yasmani Grandal, second baseman Scott Lawson, center fielder Nathan Melendres and third baseman Harold Martinez?

> Which of the 13 new faces on the roster will be able to help the Canes right away?

"We have a lot of question marks," Morris said. "We have some good young players. It's very important this fall to figure out where we need to be by February."

Not long after UM completed it's 38-22 season with a loss to Florida at the NCAA Regional in Gainesville, Morris admitted to reporters the Hurricanes suffered from chemistry woes in 2009. He believes the 35 players on his roster -- six seniors, five juniors, 11 sophmores, and 13 freshmen -- will be a better mix in 2010.

"The team at this point has a very good attitude, but it's very easy to have a good attitude right now when everyone's playing, doing the same thing," Morris said. "We just finished going through a tough boot camp. If we can run our program like the Marines, I would love to be able to do that, because when those guys come out of boot camp they'll take a bullet for each other. We just went through the hardest boot camp since I've been at Miami, I can tell you that."

Said Lawson: "We've never been through an offseason so tough. We've been having to get up at 5:30 in the morning everyday, running every day. Then we run at 4 p.m. every day in 100 [degree heat]. . Everyday you have to come out with the same attitude and get better."

WHO WILL CLOSE? Morris would love to figure that out by the end of the fall and joked he'd "trade two starting pitchers for one closer because it's such a tough role." But he said Thursday, the answer won't really come until February when guys are thrown into the fire.

"It's wide open right now," pitching coach J.D. Arteaga said. "Some of the veteran guys -- David Guiterrez -- is one we're thinking about. Hopefully, Taylor Wulf gets back to where he was last year. He has a chance to be a guy there as well."

PLENTY OF ARMS AVAILABLE... The unsure closer situation aside, it's pretty clear the Canes' strength entering the season will be pitching. The staff returns 84 percent of its innings pitched from last season (446 of 531).

"Having [Eric] Erickson back, Chris [Hernandez] back and some of the freshmen coming in I think we'll have a pretty good rotation in the spring," catcher Yasmani Grandal said. "I think for the first time ever we could have a five lefty rotation. I think we have a strong pitching staff. I think we'll be real good by the end of the season."

In all, UM will have eight left-handed arms available and seven righties. The two locks for the starting rotation are lefties Chris Hernandez, who promises he's ready to bounce back from his sophomore slump (7-5, 4.76 ERA, 93 Ks, 31 BBs), and junior Eric Erickson, who returns after missing the 2009 season rehabilitating from an injury.

"Erickson is doing great," Arteaga said. "He's throwing bullpens every other day. Now the bullpens are getting longer so he's throwing every Monday and Friday. He's not going to be stretched out like the other pitchers this fall. But so far he's had no setbacks. He's more than a year out of surgery and 100 percent. He's throwing breaking balls and everything else."

Arteaga will not be giving Hernandez any time off this fall like he did a year ago. Arteaga admitted the 2008 Freshman All-American "just never looked or felt comfortable last year" and took full blame for it. "He just never was really ready to go in the spring," Arteaga said. "He never got into a rhythm. He took the summer off like all our pitchers did this year. Hopefully, with good hard work in the fall, it will carry onto the spring."

Only one arm -- sophmore right-hander Travis Miller (coming off minor surgery for a nerve injury) will not be throwing this fall. Arteaga said Miller was cleared to begin lifting weights Thursday and likely won't begin throwing until December. "If he's not ready for opening day, he'll be ready for week two or three," Arteaga said.

The two freshmen likely to provide an instant boost is local right-hander E.J. Encinosa (Miami Coral Park) and left-hander Jerad Grundy, the only player not from Florida who is among the 13 players in UM's ninth-ranked recruiting class according to Collegiate Baseball.

FAST ADDITIONS... The consensus thought on the position players brought into help replace the losses of Chris Hermann, Jason Hagerty, Dave DiNatale and Ryan Jackson is that there's a lot of speed and maybe not enough pop.

"This is a very athletic class," Arteaga described. "We have a lot of guys that run below a 6.7, 6.8. So that gives us a lot of options to run and put pressure on other teams. Not a whole lot of power in the class, but a whole lot of speed. The next class will have a little more weight behind it in terms of power. But our goal was to get some athletes that could play multiple positions and put some pressure on teams."

In all, UM brought in five infielders and two outfielders among position players.

Former Gulliver shorstop Stephen Perez, a switch hitter, is the most highly touted having been drafted in the 18th round by the Cincinnati Reds. Perez can play shortstop. Junior Chris Pelaez, who signed with Louisville out of high school, is a 6-1, 205-pound junior outfielder and left-handed bat that could win a job. Ditto for sophomore infielder Rony Rodriguez, a 5-11, 200-pound sophomore who played at Miami-Dade College with Pelaez.

"We just have to be solid one through nine and do all the little things this year," Lawson said. "Last year it seemed like if the top of the order was hot, the bottom of the order was off. Or vice versa. We didn't do a lot of the little things right. We didn't steal enough bases. It seems like this year, it feels like we got 10 people that can [run fast]. We better be able to steal a lot of bases and score a lot of runs. I think we're going to be real scrappy this year and put a lot of pressure on the defense."

... We now will return you to your regularly scheduled football blogs as the Canes prepare to take on UCF Saturday night in Orlando...

Roger Tomas hired as baseball assistant

The Hurricanes aren't in Omaha. But the baseball program is still making news.

Today, UM announced the hiring of former infielder Roger Tomas as an assistant coach. Tomas was here not too long ago. He started 186 games from 2003-2007 and spent the last three years in the Detroit Tigers farm system.

He will work with outfielders and coach first base. More than anything, Tomas will be a good role model for Canes players. He was named the 2007 ACC Male Scholar Athlete of the Year and served as team captain.

One thing Jim Morris talked about after his team was eliminated from the postseason by the Gators was how he felt there was a problem with team chemistry. Tomas, being a young guy, will probably be able to relate to some of the young players and watch out for it a little better than anybody else on Morris' staff.

Haith named assistant for USA Basketball

Even before the Canes basketball season was over, we kept hearing rumors Frank Haith was going to go coach somewhere else. Monday, those rumors finally became a reality when Haith was named an assistant for the U.S. Basketball team at the World University Games in Serbia next month.

The games are held July 2-12 in Belgrade, Serbia. The head coach is Bo Ryan of Wisconsin. Wisconsin-Milwaukee coach Rob Jeter is also an assistant.

That's a pretty nice honor for Haith, who has led UM to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and NIT Tournament the past two seasons.

> Speaking of UM coaches, Jim Morris will be made available Tuesday morning to talk about the season and what's next for his program after their season ended Sunday night with a loss to the Gators in the regionals.

It's hard to blame Morris or his players for what happened this season. They lost six studs from the 2008 team then lost Eric Erickson before the year even began. This team simply never had the bats in the lineup to survive.

I'd be interested to see which juniors will decide to return. Other than closer Kyle Bellamy, I can't imagine any of the Canes' upper classmen are going to be draft worthy. Shortstop Ryan Jackson had a terrible season with his bat. First baseman Jason Hagerty could probably improve his stock considerably with a stellar senior season. For a change, it would be good to see this program actually keep some talent instead of losing it to the draft.

Think Adan Severino could have helped the Canes and himself this year? He got drafted in the 26th round by the Twins and is hitting .203 for the Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League.

Regional sites released: UM will be on the road

DURHAM, N.C. -- As expected, the University of Miami baseball team will not be hosting a regional next week. The NCAA just announced the 16 host sites and the ACC got four, but Miami is not among them.

The 16 sites: Arizona State, UC-Irvine, Cal St. Fullerton, Clemson, East Carolina, Florida, FSU, Georgia Tech, LSU, Louisville, Mississippi, UNC, Oklahoma, Rice, Texas and TCU. Most suspect UM will be going to Gainesville next weekend. The complete field will be revealed Monday at 12:30 p.m.

BC blows out UM 10-1

DURHAM, N.C. -- Here's today's live blog from the University of Miami's final game at The ACC Tournament against Boston College Friday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

> UM starter Iden Nazario didn't get to stick around very long for the Canes. He's out after just 1 2/3 innings. He gave up four earned on three hits with three walks and three strikeouts. David Gutierrez replaced him.

> Another great start for the Canes on offense. The first six hitters get retired in order a day after they were able to get just one hit off FSU starter Brian Busch through five innings and two days after Georgia Tech pitcher Deck McGuire no-hit UM for 5 1/3 innings. The Canes enter today's game hitting a tournament worst .206 (13 for 63 in the series).

> At least today's stadium sound guy is keeping this entertaining. He's playing TV show tunes and has already thrown out the tunes from Night Court, Melrose Place, Dallas, Everybody Loves Raymond and The Jefferson's.

> If there's one thing UM might have gotten out of this tournament its having David Gutierrez recapture some of his confidence. He picked up the win against Georgia Tech Wednesday with three solid innings of relief. He's done a good job again so far today. That could loom large in the regionals next week. I'll have to ask Morris if he might consider moving Gutierrez back into the rotation.

> Ted Blackman picks up UM's first hit with a one-out single to center in the third. UM can't do anything with it. By the way, I never realized how dumb the lyrics to the Who's The Boss intro really was until now.

> By the way, being Cuban-American I had a hearty laugh at this internet commercial filmed here in North Carolina. I found it appropriate to share. By the way, the guys who filmed this commercial are the same ones who created the Red House commercial Dan LeBatard was playing last week on his show on 790 The Ticket.

> Another 1-2-3 inning for David Gutierrez in the fourth.

> Canes blow another golden opportunity to get on the board with a run. With runners on first and third, Harold Martinez can't come through with the clutch hit. Instead, he swings and misses at strike three. BC starter Pat Dean has looked like Randy Johnson today. Dean is BC's No. 3 starter. He came in with a 5-4 record and 3.54 ERA.

> It's only fitting we'd hear the sappy theme from Hill Street Blues as UM finds itself in a nasty situation here in the fifth with the bases loaded and nobody out. John Housey replaced Gutierrez, gave up a hit and walked three -- including BC's fifth run -- before leaving. Sam Robinson will now try to save the Canes' behind.

> Maybe Jim Morris can bring in Jacory Harris next. Canes trail 7-0 here in the fifth and could use one of those Harris touchdown passes to Laron Byrd or Aldarius Johnson to get back in the game. Speaking of the football Canes, did you see Bruce Feldman's interview with Randy Shannon earlier this week?

> Another first and third situation produces zilch for the Canes when Ryan Jackson grounds out weakly to the mound to end the fifth.

> Looks like Morris has thrown in the towel. He's made a few defensive substitutions here in the seventh to give some of his bench players some work. I'm throwing in the towel too.

> Scott Lawson saves UM the embarrassment of being mercy-ruled when he singled home Dave DiNatale, who started the inning with a double, with two outs in the bottom of the seventh.

Canes haven't given up hope on hosting

DURHAM, N.C. -- Experts say there is no probably no way Miami, Florida and Florida State will all get to host regionals next week. They say there is no way the NCAA would award three of the available 16 host sites to teams from the same state, not when the sport is making an effort to make teams from the north feel like they have a fairer shot at getting to Omaha.

But that hasn't stopped UM coach Jim Morris from keeping the dream alive -- even after his team was eliminated from the ACC Tournament by FSU on Thursday. Morris believes Friday's game against Boston College still matters for that reason.

If you overlook the current rankings (Baseball America has UM 23rd) and pay attention to UM's body of work, Morris has a strong case. His team swept the Gators in Gainesville earlier this year, split the season meetings with the Noles, and finished finished fifth in the toughest conference in the country (but not by much).

Unlike college basketball, there is no official RPI or Joe Lunardi around to provide us with serious insight as to what the selection committee will likely do when it announces its field Monday at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN. But, Morris and most college baseball coaches believe the pseudo-RPI system used BoydsWorld.com is extremely accurate. Even after Thursday's loss to the Noles, BoydsWorld has Miami ranked 8th in the country. That's good enough to not only host Regionals, but Super Regionals too.

MORRIS, MARTIN LIKE ACC TOURNAMENT FORMAT

You may not like the fact that the Seminoles have already locked up a bid to Sunday's ACC Title game after just two games. But Morris and FSU coach Mike Martin have no problem with it or the format of the ACC Tournament, which splits its top eight teams into divisions and let's them play three games in a round robin format before the top two teams advance to a championship.

Both coaches say its the best way for their teams to compete for a title and save their pitching for the tournament that really matters -- the one that ends in Omaha.

“I like the format and I’d have a very hard time voting for something else,” Martin said. “I remember a while back when Georgia Tech had to play three games in one day in Winston Salem. That really put them behind the eight-ball next week [in regionals] and for what they really started playing for in August. This is the only way I think is best for the schools that are trying to get to Omaha.”

Morris agrees. "Whether you like this scenario or don’t like this scenario, it’s the best scenario in my opinion because it prepares you for the NCAA Tournament," Morris said. "It determines the true champion of the ACC with two brackets. I think it’s the best scenario even though people can argue the double elimination. But if you do it that way you blow out your pitching staff. Every team that goes to the NCAA Tournament is going to have three of their pitchers get a start and at the same time you are getting a champion that’s going to be in a one game playoff. This is not for the national championship, its for the ACC Tournament, which is big after we won it last year. But the bottomline is you have to get ready for the next tournament."

Canes blow golden chance in 7th, Noles win 4-2

DURHAM, N.C. -- Unfortunately, today's ACC Tournament game between the Canes and Seminoles isn't available locally on TV. But WQAM does have the radio broadcast. I will be here to provide thoughts and highlights at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

> UM gambled Wednesday by saving ace Chris Hernandez for the Noles and throwing their bullpen at Georgia Tech. It paid off Wednesday with a 8-6 win against Georgia Tech. We'll have to see if the second part of the gamble pays off today. FSU got to Hernandez early in his last start.  

> Six pitches in and FSU is up 2-0. After Tyler Holt smacked the second pitch he saw from Hernandez for a single to right center, Stephen Cardullo drilled Hernandez's third pitch of the game for a double off the Big Blue Monster for a run scoring double. Three pitches later, Mike McGee hit nearly the same exact spot for another run scoring double.

> FSU's Tommy Oravetz drills a 1-0 pitch into the empty seats in right field to make it 4-0 Noles in the top of the first. Think the Noles are sending a message?

> Turned out to be a far less stressful inning for FSU starter Brian Busch. He retired the Canes in order and threw less than 10 pitches.

> Much better second inning for Hernandez, who retired the 8, 9, 1 part of FSU's lineup in order.

> Chris Herrmann's one-out double in the second turned out to be meaningless. He was stranded at second when Brian Busch got Harold Martinez to line out hard to left and Dave DiNatale to groundout to short to end the inning. At least UM isn't being no-hit. Yesterday against GT, they waited until the sixth to get a hit on ACC PItcher of the Year Deck McGuire. Back in April, they waited until the sixth to get a hit on Busch.

> Hernandez's second trip down the FSU order is going much better. He's retired six in a row since his rocky first inning.

> UM had the man they wanted at the plate with two outs in the third and runners on first and second base. But Jason Hagerty just couldn't come through. He came up a few feet short of wall in center field. UM still trails 4-0 after three.

> Got to give Chris Hernandez props for getting out of major trouble in the fourth. He walked the leadoff man then had Oravitz reach when the ball squirted out of shorstop Ryan Jackson's glove on a tailor made double play. But Hernandez battled back -- even after the Noles pulled off a double steal -- to strike out the next three hitters.

> UM is starting to hit the ball hard of Busch. They just don't much to show for it. Yasmani Grandal, who reached on a hard single to right, finally put UM on the board when he came in to score on Harold Martinez's line drive sacrifice fly to deep left. But FSU still leads 4-1 after four innings.

> Chris Hernandez's pitch count after five innings is around 90. UM is probably going to get just one more inning out of him before the bullpen is going to have to come in and try to keep this close.

>  That's two errors now in this game for Ryan Jackson. He had seven all season. Maybe he can make up for it by bringing his bat to life here late in the game.

> Ryan Jackson just missed on a home run and ended up getting thrown out at second. Yasmani Grandal, however, didn't miss on his big swing. His solo blast off the porch of a condo behind the wall in left field has trimmed FSU's lead to 4-2 after six. It was Grandal's 16th blast of the season.

> Chris Hernandez's day is over after six innings. Michael Rudman has replaced him in the seventh. Hernandez gave up four earned and five hits, but kept Miami in the game after that horrid first inning.

> Tough break for the Canes in the seventh. They load the bases on walks and bring Ryan Jackson, who is due a break, to the plate. But he never gets a chance to swing. A ball gets away from FSU catcher Rafael Lopez, but not far enough to allow Dave DiNatale to score from third. Instead, DiNatale gets rung up by home plate umpire Randy Harvey when relief pitcher Geoff Parker applied the tag a moment before he reached the base.

Canes must beat FSU AND BC to play Sunday

DURHAM, N.C. - Even if UM beats top-seeded Florida State later this afternoon, the Canes will still have work to do in the ACC Tournament if they hope to reach Sunday's championship game. That's because Boston College just added another road block to UM's path when it beat Georgia Tech 7-3 this afternoon.

By virtue of that win, Miami, seeded fifth, must now beat the Eagles (32-24) Friday at noon or they'll be eliminated from title contention. If BC (1-1) were to beat Miami (1-0) and FSU (1-0) were to beat Georgia Tech Saturday, it would create a three-way tie between the teams, one that would favor the Noles because they are the top-seeded team in Division A. Even if FSU were to lose to the Yellow Jackets, it still wouldn't help UM. BC would own the first tiebreaker -- head-to-head -- and advance to Sunday's title game in front of Miami.

I know it all could become moot if UM loses to FSU in a couple hours anyway. But at least now you know that even if UM wins today, they still have to win Friday to play on Sunday.

As for their matchup with the Noles...

> Just because the Seminoles are going with No. 2 starter Brian Busch this afternoon, don't mistake it for being a much easier situation for UM than had Sean Gilmartin been scheduled to pitch. Busch pitched five hitless innings against UM in his previous start in Coral Gables before Jason Hagerty belted a two-run home run in the sixth inning to break it up. The big blast pushed Busch out of the game with a 4-3 lead. UM eventually came back and won the game 6-4.

But it wasn't easy. UM starter Chris Hernandez labored early and fell behind 4-1. Jason Stidham hit a two-run homer off Hernandez in the first and Stuart Tapley added a two-run double before Hernandez settled down. Hernandez would strike out 11 while scattering six hits in 6 2/3 innings to improve to 3-2. Kyle Bellamy pitched the final 2 1/3 scoreless, hit-less innings, while striking out five to earn the save.

> UM beat FSU the next day 14-8 to take 2-of-3 in the series. But FSU has been red hot since, going 23-4. They lost twice at Georgia Tech and at home to Florida and North Carolina. But that's it.

THURSDAY'S LINEUPS
> FSU (41-14): 1. CF Tyler Holt (.403), 2. SS Stephen Cardullo (.374), 3. LF Mike McGee (.365), 4. 2B Jason Stidham (.344), 5. 3B Stuart Tapley (.303), 6. DH Tommy Oravetz (.262), 7. RF Ohmed Danesh (.269), 8. 1B Jack Posey (.217), 9. C Rafael Lopez (.291). Pitching: LHP Brian Busch (5-2, 4.38 ERA, 57 Ks, 31 BBs).
> UM (36-18): 1. 2B Scott Lawson (.345), 2. SS Ryan Jackson (.263), 3. 1B Jason Hagerty (.320), 4. C Yasmani Grandal (.301), 5. LF Chris Hermann (.342), 6. 3B Harold Martinez (.286), 7. RF Dave DiNatale (.314), 8. DH Ted Blackman (.259), 9. CF Nathan Melendres (.278). Pitching: LHP Chris Hernandez (7-3, 4.31 ERA, 82 Ks, 26 BBs).

A FEW MORE NOTES...
- Courtesy of UM sports information director Rob Dunning...
> Chris Hernandez is 3-1 with a 1.97 ERA in his last five starts.
> UM is averaging 7.9 runs per game over their last 15 games. Five Hurricanes are hitting .350 or better in the last 10 ACC games. Chris Hermann is hitting .550 with five HRs, 16 runs and 18 RBI. Yasmani Grandal (.405), Scott Lawson (.357), Dave DiNatale (.350) and Jason Hagerty (.350) all have at least 14 hits over that same span. The rest of the starters are hitting over .300.
> UM's bullpen has allowed just 14 earned runs in their last 68 1/3 innings (1.96 ERA). Kyle Bellamy, Michael Rudman, Rene Guerra and Kevin Youst have allowed just one earned run between them in their last 36 innings combined. 

Morris' gamble pays off

DURHAM, N.C. -- Jim Morris has been around college baseball enough long to know it takes more than a star-studded lineup or one dominant pitcher to win in the postseason. It takes something else, too -- luck. 

That's exactly what UM had on its side Wednesday in its 8-6 win over Georgia Tech. You don't go 5 1/3 innings without a hit, have the opposing team load the bases twice and still find yourself only down 2-1 in the sixth inning without it. But while a lucky bounce or two can change the outcome of a game, I'm a firm believer you create some of your own luck, too.

And the honest truth is nobody at UM, no coach of any current team, is better at it than Morris. That's not a slight on Randy Shannon or Frank Haith or any of UM's other coaches. It's just the truth. Morris has two rings to prove it. 

In my opinion, he just knows how to put his athletes in situations better than anyone else to overachieve, to bounce back, and to orchestrate a little magic.

Morris knew his team needed an emotional lift if it was going to have any chance at defending its crown in this tournament and hosting a regional next week.

So, he rolled the dice against Georgia Tech when he decided to hold ace Chris Hernandez from pitching against ACC Pitcher of The Year, Deck McGuire. The idea: save his ace for Thursday's tough game against the Seminoles and let some guys earn their wings. Maybe, it might just create the fire his team needs to get going.

Somehow, Morris not only had a hunch his trio of freshmen (Travis Miller, Sam Robinson and Danny Miranda) were going to do well against the Yellow Jackets' potent offensive attack, but he knew David Gutierrez, the coldest arm on the team, was due to snap out of his funk. Together, those four pitched seven innings and got an 8-6 lead to closer Kyle Bellamy, who obviously did the rest Wednesday.

The result: Miami won and now Hernandez will pitch against FSU, which already pitched its ace Wednesday. Morris could have played his cards differently. He could have pulled the Johnny Wholestaff against Boston College or FSU. But he didn't because he knew better. And now the Canes still have a chance to really win this tournament.

“I think you could probably say we were rolling the dice,” Morris said. “But, with that said, our bullpen has been pretty good. We’ve had some injuries with our pitching staff and I knew we were going to have to piece together a game somewhere to make it happen. All our guys were fresh. They did a good job at Wake Forest in the same type situation where Miller started. I felt like it was the best opportunity for us to win in this tournament to do that and we came out very fortunate."

Canes hold on for 8-6 win over Georgia Tech

DURHAM -- Here's today's live blog from the ACC Baseball Tournament where UM is taking on Georgia Tech at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

> It turned out to be a long first inning for freshman Travis Miller. But he got out of it relatively unscathed. He gave up two hits and walked in a run with the bases loaded, but struckout three.

Deck McGuire struckout Ryan Jackson swinging and Jason Hagerty looking after giving up a leadoff walk to Scott Lawson in the top of the first. The Canes have yet to really hit a ball hard off McGuire, who retired UM in the second in order.

> What happened to those bats that pounded Wake Forest this past weekend? Guess it ws the pitching. UM has sent 10 batters to the plate through three innings and has yet to produce a hit, much less solid contact off ACC Pitcher of the Year Deck McGuire. GT leads 1-0 in the bottom of the third.

> Freshman day continues. Left-hander Sam Robinson comes in to pitch for UM with nobody out in the third and a runner on first. Miller gave UM two decent innings, striking out four, walking three and giving up three hits and one earned.

> The story so far has been McGuire. He hasn't given up a hit through four innings. UM, however, was able to tie the score at 1 when Jason Hagerty was able to come around and score from second on a failed double play attempt and throwing error.

> Sam Robinson's day has ended and now David Gutierrez enters with the bases loaded, one out and the meat of Georgia Tech's lineup up to bat in the fourth. Georgia Tech got three hits before Derek Dietrich walked with the bases loaded to give the Yellow Jackets a 2-1 lead.

> It almost feels like this game has been perfectly scripted for UM to steal it. UM has used three pitchers in four innings. The ACC Pitcher of the Year has a no-hitter. And the Canes trail by 1 in the top of the fifth.

> Still no hits for UM entering the sixth. But a big part of this story has become David Gutierrez. Talk about a guy who went south. Gutierrez started the season 2-0 and has gone 0-6 in his last 10 starts. Now, he's come out of the bullpen in a key situation, bases-loaded, one out, and gotten out of it easy. Then, he gets out of the fifth relatively easy. If Miami can get another two, three solid innings out of him they've got a chance to steal this game and some innings for closer Kyle Bellamy.

>  McGuire's no-hitter is finally ended in the sixth when Jason Hagerty drilled a one-out double down the right field line.

> Deck McGuire got decked. The Canes have batted around here in the top of the sixth to take a commanding 6-2 lead, forcing the ACC Pitcher of the Year out of the game after he carried a no-hitter into the inning. UM has pounded out six hits in the inning -- including four doubles. The big stroke came off the bat off Chris Hermann, who doubled opposite field off the wall in left to tie the score. 

> Georgia Tech has come back with two runs in the sixth and seventh innings to trim UM's lead to 8-6 here at the start of the eighth. Can you say Kyle Bellamy time?

> Kyle Bellamy is there to save the day again. Big pitching performance by UM's Mr. Clutch. He records the final six outs to keep UM in contention for its second straight ACC title. I'll have more later.

Hernandez to start vs. FSU

DURHAM -- If you turn on the TV at noon and can't find Chris Hernandez on the mound for the University of Miami, don't worry he's not hurt.

UM's ace has been scheduled to pitch against top-seeded Florida State Thursday at 4 p.m. According to UM sports information director Rob Dunning, coach Jim Morris has decided to give Hernandez an extra day of rest -- to keep him on pace with his usual week off between starts. Instead, Miami will send Johnny Wholestaff to the mound this afternoon against Georgia Tech (34-15-1).

The Canes will start freshman right-hander Travis Miller (2-0, 4.91) against ACC Pitcher of The Year Deck McGuire (10-0, 2.63 ERA). It's a gamble Morris hopes will pay off if UM's bats can stay hot. The Canes pounded out a boatload of runs (46) and hits (61) against Wake Forest last weekend.

The task will obviously be a lot harder against McGuire. He pitched six strong innings against UM in Coral Gables back in late March, giving up just four earned while walking four and striking out seven.

Dunning said there is a good chance if UM is still in the game in the middle innings you could see closer Kyle Bellamy come in as early as the fifth or sixth inning.

LINEUPS

> UM: 1. Scott Lawson 2B (.347), 2. SS Ryan Jackson (.265), 3. 1B Jason Hagerty (.316), 4. C Yasmani Grandal (.305), 5. LF Chris Hermann (.346), 6. 3B Harold Martinez (.288), 7. RF Dave DiNatale (.317), 8. DH Ted Blackman (.248), 9. CF Nathan Melendres (.282).

> GT: 1. CF Jeff Rowland (.357), 2. SS Derek Dietrich (.320), 3. RF Luke Murton (.376), 4. 1B Tony Plagman (.347), 5. C Jason Haniger (.323), 6. DH Chase Burnette (.384), 7. 3B Matt Skole (.303), 8. 2B Thomas Nichols (.284), 9. LF Chris House (.316).

Can the Canes get back to Omaha?

Mid May has traditionally been the time of year on the South Florida sports calendar when the UM baseball team suddenly begins to draw interest from folks that didn't really care about them except during those early season FSU or Florida series.

Right about now is when coach Jim Morris and his team begin popping up on nightly sports telecasts, and the fairweather fans who no longer have the Heat or Panthers to watch in the playoffs -- or are tired of the up-and-down struggles of the Marlins -- begin wondering how their team is doing in the old "ping league." Even UM football diehards who are glued to Canesport's football recruiting wire will lift their heads up from their computers for five minutes to ask: How many weeks until Omaha?

It's what Morris and his team has gotten us South Floridians accustomed to. They've spoiled us really. What we expect is for the most reliable team in the sports market -- the one that always has that hefty national ranking, the slew of big home run bats, and that combo of left-handers who bring the heat -- to be ready to deliver excitement for about three weeks, to have us on edge and suddenly yearning for that sound (PING!)

Sorry to break it to you casual observers, but the forecast for the pinging Canes doesn't look good. Unless the Canes turn it around big time and in a hurry, the milkshake guy at The Light has served his last Omaha Express. And fans who were hoping to watch Scott Lawson do his stanky leg dance are going to have to hope TV cameras catch it.

Earlier this week, I caught up with the Canes before they left Wednesday in must-win mode for their final regular season ACC series at Wake Forest. Miami, ranked 24th by Baseball America, has gone 8-10 over the past month. The Canes have had plenty of icky losses. North Florida beat them. Bethune-Cookman took two of three from them last weekend at The Light no less.

Players know the only way they'll get to play at home again is if they get hot and stun everyone at next week's ACC Tournament in Durham. So can they do it? And more importantly, can they get back to Omaha? Ask closer Kyle Bellamy that question and he might spit venom at you.

“Of course we can get hot,” said Bellamy who with a 3-1 record, 1.15 ERA and 14 saves has been the only consistent arm on the staff Miami has had all season. “We were No. 2 in the nation for awhile. We’re definitely capable. We just have to get that mentality back we had when we swept the Gators in Gainesville and we took 2 of 3 from FSU. I think we just need to get that chip back on our shoulder – the one we had when were trying to prove to everyone we were a pretty good team."

The problem for Miami is that it's going to take more than an attitude adjustment. It's going to take a major overhaul. Only three hitters -- Scott Lawson (.348), Chris Hermann (.314) and Jason Hagerty (.313) -- are batting better than .300. While ace Chris Hernandez has gotten his act together (he's now 6-3 with a 4.24 ERA after a horrendous start), No. 2 starter David Gutierrez is still looking for his first win since March 7th.

Morris had loftier expectations when the season began despite the fact he lost three first round picks and a boatload of talented players from a team that went 53-11 and entered the College World Series last year expecting to win a fifth national title. But despite the recent setbacks Morris hasn't lost hope. Heck, if Fresno State did it last year why can't the Canes?

“We’ve proven we can beat some of the best teams in college baseball and we’ve proven if we don’t go out and play well we’re not going to win,” Morris said. “We’ve put our backs against the wall no question about that. But I know we can respond. I think we’ve swung the bats really good against some good teams, and any team in the Top 25 has a chance to get hot this time of year. Fresno State was 82nd last year and they won it. We have a lot of young players who can grow up quickly over the next few weeks."

As it stands, even if Miami were to win next week's ACC Tournament, the likelyhood remains they could be on the road in the regionals because the NCAA isn't likely to grant more than two in-state teams the right to host. Both the Gators and Seminoles are ranked higher than UM at the moment and both have had much better regular seasons to this point. As it stands, Baseball America projects Miami will be making the trip to Gainesville.

That doesn't bode well for UM. When the Canes have reached Omaha in the past, they've usually done it playing at home. Of their 23 trips to the CWS, only four were achieved by winning a regional on the road (2006, 1996, 1989, 1984, 1974). Morris said this team in his eyes compares a lot to his 2002 team, which won a regional in Gainesville, but then loss a heart breaker to South Carolina in the Super Regional a week later.

“It’s very important for us to host regionals,” Bellamy said. “There was a lot of inspiration we got our own fans last year in those tight games. Sometimes traveling and being in the airplanes and the hotels can wear on you. Hosting Regionals would definitely be a huge lift. Hopefully, it’s not too late and we can turn it on.”

JUST A FEW QUICK NOTES...
> After spending the past month on Marlins detail, I will be going on the road with the baseball team to Durham next week. So, if you want to talk baseball while I'm there, shoot me some questions on the blog or email. I'll probably be live blogging the games.

> This week with the Marlins on the road and Clark Spencer on the beat, I got a chance to make my rounds to a few local high schools to catch up on the recruiting front. For those of you interested, I posted three videos -- including an interview with Booker T. Washington running back Eduardo Clements.

While I'm still very skeptical UM will be able to get any of the Tornadoes' top recruits, you should know the Canes at least have a new constant presence on campus. Tim Harris Jr., the son of former coach Ice Harris and a star in track at UM, has begun his high school coaching career this spring at Booker T. He's coaching the quarterbacks. That alone should help Miami stay in contention for Clements, receiver Quinton Dunbar, and defensive end Lyden Trail, who recently picked up an offer from USC.

> As for Miami Springs highly-touted receiver Willis Wright, Miami has definitely offered Wright and is intered in him. But they aren't nearly as interested as Florida State, which has already had five coaches come down to meet with the 6-3, 200-pound receiver in the past year. Miami Springs coach Alex Pacheco told me Monday Wesley McGriff visited the school last year, but no one from UM has been out there yet this spring. Wright got his formal offer from UM in the mail. Physically, Wright is one of the most impressive receivers I've ever seen in Miami-Dade. I'd throw him in the same category as Aldarius Johnson, Dwayne Bowe and Andre Johnson.

> For those of you still on edge over Frank Haith's chase of John Wall, Miami is definitely in the race for the nation's top available recruit. The people I spoke to this week on Wall's behalf told me UM is in his top three and under serious consideration. Wall, by the way, is apparently considering stretching his decision making process past the May 20th deadline.

> In case you missed it, our live weekly Q&As on MiamiHerald.com have been shut down until the start of football season. I'm now doing Marlins Q&As on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. If you want to shoot me questions, feel free to email them to me or place them on the blog. I'm thinking of starting up a Monday Mailbag session if I get some good questions from you.

FSU series has evolved into real dislike

Florida State and Miami are rivals when it comes to every sport. But there may not be more real hate involved in any of them moreso than in baseball. At least that's what it seems like.

Thursday, with UM set to host the Seminoles in a three-game series at The Light, I caught up with several players and coaches to see exactly where the rivalry is at. After last year's heated battle in Tallahassee, which saw the Seminoles refuse to shake hands (and fans get ugly) after the Canes escaped with a series-clinching Sunday win, consider the rivalry on orange alert.

"It was definitely more of a fun rivalry for me when I played," said pitching coach J.D. Arteaga, who pitched for the Canes from 1994 to 1997. "I had players I knew on their side. Mickey Lopez and Doug Mientkewicz were my high school teammates. We went to dinner after it was over. I don't know if we have that anymore because we usually don't recruit the same kids. It's a little more different rivalry now after a few things that have happened over the past six, seven years. It's a little hotter to say the least."

Hot for even the two guys are supposed to be setting the example, Jim Morris and Mike Martin. Morris got his first coaching job under Martin. But each year their relationship has higher levels of stress, especially after Morris beat Martin to win the 1999 national championship.

"That's part of the reason why I don't like to schedule friends," Morris said. " People think it's a game - it's a game to people in the stands. But to me it's my life. To Mike Martin, it's his life. I think about it all the time. It's my life. It's not just a game."

Players agree, especially when it comes to this series. Shortstop Ryan Jackson said he got sprayed with Sunkist and middle fingers by FSU fans last year at the end of Sunday's wild finish. He says while players from both sides don't like each other, playing in atmosphere where you don't like your opponent jacks up players and makes the games even more excting.

"I'm not going to beat around the bush. We don't like them. They don't like us," Jackson said. "I'm sure they're saying the same thing up there. We're looking forward to playing good, clean baseball and hopefully come out on top."

SOME HELP FROM BIG BRO: Earlier this week, David Gutierrez found out he would be making the move from No. 2 starter to Friday night ace. The redshirt junior right-hander didn't have to think twice about who would be the first person he'd call to share the news with -- his big brother, former Hurricanes closer Carlos Gutierrez.

Why big bro and not mom and dad? Because it was big bro that taught him that new pitch this summer past summer -- a hard sinker -- that has helped David put together a 2-2 record and the lowest ERA (1.51) in the ACC the first half of the season.

"We worked on it a lot this offseason while he was training down here," the younger Gutierrez said Thursday. "That's what's helped me take the next step. Last year, I didn't throw it all. Now, I use it on every batter at least once. It's an effective pitch because it looks like a fastball and dies. They'll roll over it and I get groundouts."

As for the elder Gutierrez, drafted in the first round by the Twins last June, David says his older brother expects to begin High-A ball in the coming days.

WHAT'S SLOWING DOWN CHRIS HERNANDEZ?: While Gutierrez has thrived for UM this season, last year's ACC Freshman of the Year and ace, left-hander Chris Hernandez has hit a hard sophomore slump. In six starts and 33 2/3 innings, Hernandez has given up 22 earned runs and walked 12 batters. He gave up 18 walks and 34 earned runs all of last year.

Arteaga said the difference is while Hernandez is throwing harder, he has less command. Morris said Hernandez is trying to be "too fine," and is losing two strike battles he won with opposing hitters last year.

"The first thing we talked to him about was not worrying about duplicating what he did last year. And that's exactly what he's trying to do. He's trying to be perfect," Arteaga said. "This game is to hard to be perfect. As soon as one bad thing happens, it kind of multiplies because you're waiting for the next [bad thing to happen]. Like I said, he's throwing the ball better. But it's nowhere near where he was last year. I didn't expect what he did last year to happen again. He's 2-2 right now. If he ends the year 11-3 with a 3, 4 ERA, it's still a great year."

OUT OF THE SLUMP?: Jackson began the season hitting third in Morris' lineup. But a first half slump ultimately has had him moving all over the place, from 1, 2, 3 to 7, 8, 9. Thursday, Morris said Jackson put too much pressure on himself to start the year and was hitting too many flyballs. But both Morris and Jackson see signs the .283 hitter could be on the verge of turning the corner.

"In my last 10 at bats, I think I've hit seven balls hard," Jackson said. "I feel like I'm getting back on track, staying positive.

"I came out of the shoot trying to do too much. I had a good spring and fall and sometimes when you do that you come out trying to do more than you can. My stride was a little too big. Sunday's game versus Georgia Tech was kind of the turning point for me in terms of how I felt my season was going to go. I hit some balls hard in every bat. I carried it over against Barry. I'm optimistic about the rest of the year. I know what I can do. That's why I got the second half."

A chat with Kirby Hocutt & more

Two weeks ago when the University of Miami was on the road in the NIT at Providence, I got a chance to catchup with athletic director Kirby Hocutt and pick his mind on a few hot button issues. I figured the highlights of our discussion might be the best way for me to start sharing a boatload of notes I've collected in the past week since the end of the spring football.

> UM football coach Randy Shannon has two years left on his current contract. Entering his third season after going a combined 12-13, Hocutt said he has yet to broach the subject of a contract extension with Shannon and didn't share a timetable either when negotiations might begin. But he didn't sound like an athletic director whose begun looking yet for Plan B either. 

"We haven't talked yet," Hocutt said. "But that's no indication of our support for Randy. He's done an excellent job. There's an excitement around the program as well as optimism for next year. Miami football is on the right track. Randy has a plan and we're going to continue to support him and he's going to be the leader of the program for a long time. I'm confident of that."

> One thing that Shannon did that pleased Hocutt was the way he handled the recruitment of running back Bryce Brown, who went from longtime UM commitment to signing with Tennessee two weeks ago after Shannon decided not to renew his scholarship offer.

"He made the right decision in my opinion and I respect him for handling it the way he did. We're going to be fine moving forward," Hocutt said. "[Recruiting] has changed. Is it concerning? Yes it is. You would hope you can work directly with the parents and the young people involved. You hope the third party influence is not as involved as it is today, especially in the sport of basketball. This honestly was the first time I saw a third party involved in a football situation to the degree it was. And it's something I think we need to start talking about at the conference level and maybe moreso on a national level."

> One of the things Hocutt said he has become more involved in since taking over has been the future scheduling of opponents. He wants to get UM involved in big-time games including playing Notre Dame again and getting Florida on the schedule. Right now, Kansas State is looking to get off UM's schedule for 2011 and 2012. Hocutt said he and Shannon have agreed that as long as UM finds a comparable opponent for the series they would let the Wildcats out of their agreement. According to Hocutt, ESPN is trying to find a replacement to create a marquee TV matchup. Hocutt would not mention any names, but said it would be another Big 12 opponent. I've heard rumblings the possible home and home series could come against either Texas, Texas Tech or Missouri.

"We're going to make sure the opponent makes sense for Miami and what we're trying to accomplish," Hocutt said. "We'll see what opportunities present themselves and move down the road."

Speaking of down the road and opportunities, Hocutt seemed more confident there could be a future meeting with Miami and Notre Dame than with the Canes and Gators, who are currently scheduled to meet for the last time in football at Dolphins Stadium in 2013.

"If there is any way whatsoever to get [a series with Notre Dame] done, we'll get it done," Hocutt said. "I don't want to lead people on or sound too optimistic, but there has been an initial phone call and another conversation through a mutual relationship [TV]. There's definitely interest on both sides. If it's something we can get done in the future it sounds like we're both committed to it."

> When it comes to Frank Haith, consider Hocutt a huge fan of UM's 43-year old coach and a coach Hocutt would probably willing to fight for financially should Haith receive an offer to leave the program. Haith, who last week told reporters and his team he has no interest in leaving UM, has once again had his name resurface this week in filling a possible job opening. FOXSports.com reported Wednesday Georgia has Haith next on its list of candidates after Oklahoma's John Capel. Ten months ago, Hocutt and Dee extended Haith's contract at UM through 2014. Hocutt, who said he speaks to Haith on a weekly basis even during the offseason, said nobody has formally asked UM to speak with Haith.

"Frank and I spend a lot of time talking and its all focused around the future of Miami basketball, what we can continue to do to elevate this program," Hocutt said. "We have a great relationship. He knows we don't want anybody in this country to be our head basketball coach except Frank Haith. You hope you are in position as an athletic director and athletic department thatr people are coming after your coaches, your staff members. That's what you want. That means you got the right person in place and you are doing good things. I think it's a complement to UM that Frank's name is mentioned out there so much."

MORE NOTES, QUOTES & THOUGHTS...

This week I spent two days covering the McDonald's All-American festivities and got a chance to not only speak to a few big-time players, but pick the brains of high school basketball recruiting gurus on a variety of topics.

> UM's quest to land John Wall, the nation's No. 1 available point guard, should probably be considered what has been for a long time -- shaky at best. With John Calipari leaving Memphis for Kentucky this week, many gurus believe it won't necessarily stop Wall from following him. As I was told by SI's Andy Staples last night, Kentucky is probably the most ideal situation because they are desparate for a point guard. Wall has told several publications he plans to take an official visit to UM on April 24. But like Dwayne Collins told me last night when I bumped into him in the BankUnited Center parking lot at around midnight, "if I was him or anybody else living up in that cold, I'd want to take a trip to Miami, too. But that don't mean he's coming here."

> Speaking of Dwayne Collins, although there have been reports that the 6-8, 240-pound forward is considering leaving UM after this season to enter the NBA Draft, I'd consider the likelyhood of Collins leaving about the same as Wall coming to Miami. "Really, I'm just waiting on Coach Haith to tell me what he thinks," Collins said. "If he thinks I should go, I'll go. If he doesn't, I'll be back." NBADraftexpress.com ranks Collins 37th among the nation's Top Juniors. That's not close to being a first round pick.

> Jack McClinton's NBA Draft stock, meanwhile, remains up in the air -- especially after a knee injury slowed him toward the end of the year. McClinton will get a chance to make an impression on NBA Scouts again, however, when he participates in the Three-Point shootout of the State Farm College All-Star festivities Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at the site of the Final Four in Detroit.

> Florida-bound and local guard Kenny Boynton Jr. had a pretty good night (10 points) in Wednesday night's McDonald's All-American Game at the BankUnited Center. I asked Boynton Tuesday if there ever really was a bone in his body that considered playing at Miami, in front of his friends and family.

"There definitely was," Boynton said. "They did recruit me. Coach Jorge Fernandez recruited me real well. Coach Haith recruited me also. But I didn’t think he put more into it like Duke and Florida. I think coach Haith didn’t show me he really wanted me. He came to see me a few times. But he never called a lot. I think it would have been a good situation [coming to Miami]. It’s close to home, Miami is on the rise. I think I could have helped. But it’s a good situation where I'm going too. I like Florida a lot."

> Coming off their second series loss in 23 series in the ACC, UM's baseball team will open a three-game homestand against Florida State this weekend at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. The biggest news, though, is UM has decided to move No. 2 starter David Gutierrez into the Friday night starter role in place of the struggling Chris Hernandez Gutierrez is 2-2 with a 1.51 ERA. Hernandez is 2-2 with a 5.88 ERA.

By the way, the Canes will honor the 1999 National Championship team before Saturday night's game at 7 p.m. Get there early if you want to catch it.

Dunbar just the start at Booker T?

Unless you forgot to pay your monthly subscription to InsideTheCanesportTimes or were out enjoying two days off on South Beach like I was this past weekend (leading my best friend's bachelor party), you probably know by now the Canes picked up their third football "commitment" of the 2010 class Sunday in Miami Booker T. Washington receiver Quinton Dunbar.

Monday night, I caught up with Dunbar and Booker T. receivers coach Andre Brown (who handles most of the recruiting talk between colleges and the Tornadoes). Dunbar, a 6-3, 177-pound All-Dade First Team selection last season, is obviously a nice get for the Canes and a tremendous talent. But the bigger story is he might just be the first of a handful of talented Booker T. players in the 2010 class who decide to make their way down the road to UM from Overtown next February. 

"The first thing I thought when I got back this weekend and heard Quinton had committed was 'Alright, whose next?," said Brown, who coached current Canes Davon Johnson and Thearon Collier at receiver at Booker T. "It's obvious having Ice over there [former Booker T. coach Tim Harris] helps Miami a lot. They're very aware what we've got coming out in our next class."

What Booker T. has next season is arguably the best class in Miami-Dade County, which by all accounts is absolutely loaded with talent. Dunbar is rated the 13th best player in the county according to our Larry Blustein's Pre-Spring Top 30 list. Other Booker T. players included on the list: talented running back Eduardo Clements (7th), defensive end Lynden Trail (18th), receiver Ted Meline (20th) and offensive lineman Jose Jose (24th). Brown said UM has already offered all of them, except Meline. 

Clements, the MVP of the Class 4A state championship game in 2007, is the prized recruit. At 5-11, 175-pounds there isn't a more complete running back in South Florida in my opinion. I've been told UM considers him its No. 1 running back target for 2010 and another reason coach Randy Shannon doesn't feel so bad about losing out on Bryce Brown. "He's just as good a pass catcher, if not better than Bryce and has played against tougher competition his entire life," one recruiter told me. "Miami wants him badly."

The Canes were the first school to offer Clements and according to Brown, who is Clements brother-in-law, it means a lot. But the roadblock for UM appears to be Florida State, whom Clements grew up rooting for. According to Brown, the Seminoles decided to finally drop Clements an offer Monday. "He's a Florida State guy at heart," Brown said. "The situation is going to be real tough. We've had a lot of family gatherings to talk about everything, but we're allowing him to make up his own decision."

As for Dunbar, consider him about as sound and committed a Canes recruit as there can be. He grew up rooting for UM and living down the street from the Orange Bowl. He wears No. 5 because his favorite player, Andre Johnson, wore it (he said Shannon already promised it to him after Javarris James leaves). His second cousin is UM cornerback Chavez Grant. And, his best friend is Collier. Brown said he expects Dunbar, who has a 3.0, to be a full qualifier.

"The thing that makes Quinton special is that he has just a great knack for getting to the football," Brown said. "When that ball is in the air, he gets into attack mode. He might not run a 4.3, but he has great game speed. We're going to work a lot on catching the ball and knowing what to do in open space. He can get better at route running too. But it's utilizing head fakes, those hips so he can be more like Larry Fitzgerald after the catch."

THIS AND THAT

> Got to give some props to the UM baseball team for their series sweep of Florida this past weekend, especially the 16-2 pounding the Canes delivered on Sunday. It marked the first time under Jim Morris UM swept the Gators in Gainesville, and it helped move UM up in the polls. The Canes are now ranked as high as eighth in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' poll (there are too many college baseball polls). David Gutierrez, by the way, earned ACC Pitcher of the Week honors for his seven scoreless innings in Saturday's 2-1 win.

> Among my many phone calls Monday, I caught up with one of the weekend's heroes in left fielder Jonathan Weislow. I don't want to give away too much about Weislow, but there might not be a player whose gone through more excruciating injuries than this guy. It's a good story I'll share with you later this week as UM kicks off a 12-game homestand against Rhode Island on Tuesday at 6.

> It turns out Jack McClinton will not have his jersey number retired this weekend after all. Coach Frank Haith said during his weekly ACC teleconference with media on Monday morning that UM wants to be bring Jack back next season and honor him during another game. It's a smart move. Saturday's noon tip-off against N.C. State is going to be emotional enough. Not only will it be senior day, but if UM beats Georgia Tech Wednesday then the Canes will have the opportunity of getting back to 8-8 in the ACC (likely what they need to reach the NCAA tournament). The last thing you want is an extra distraction at a time like this.

> ESPN's Joe Lunardi has the Canes still in his bracketology report. Right now, Lunardi (who hit on all 65 invitees last season) has UM seeded 12th and facing UCLA in the first round. I think the highest seed UM will get if it wins out this week and wins at least one ACC Tournament game is 10th. But I'd like to ask Lunardi, who is supposed to have a teleconference with the media Wednesday, what he thinks the best case scenario for Haith and the Canes is if they accomplish that or better to get in.

> Since some of you have been asking, I finally got around to uploading several audio bites from spring practice, baseball and basketball from the last two weeks. Just visit the usual place to find them.

Questions abound for UM baseball at start of '09

The 2008 Miami Hurricanes had one of the best lineups in all of college baseball, a talented collection of power hitters who could light up the scoreboard and send balls flying out of the park on a nightly basis.  Barring a few unexpected surprises, coach Jim Morris knows his 2009 Hurricanes will not be that kind of team when they their new season at their newly reconstructed and renamed ballpark Friday night against Rutgers.

So what will the Canes do to win games this coming season? Morris is banking on pitching, defense, timely hitting and being the complete opposite of what his lineup was last year -- a successful small ball unit.

"We're not going to be a team that hits for power like last year," said Morris, whose 2008 team belted 106 home runs and drove in 517 RBI en route to compiling the fifth highest winning percentage in UM history with a 53-11 record before sputtering in Omaha. "Our team last year bunted the least of any team since I've been at Miami. This team might be one that bunts more than anybody. We got to sac bunt. We got to be very fundamentally sound. We got to play good solid defense. We’re not going to be a big inning club – unless I’m surprised."

Expecting the Hurricanes to duplicate what they did a year ago with the number of superstars who left would be insane. One look at the roster tells you all you need to know about how much work the Canes have in front of them. Of the team's top 11 hitters, only four are back. Gone from UM's lineup: 78 of team's 106 home runs and 358 of the team's 517 RBI last season.

There are several All-American candidates back: shortstop Ryan Jackson (.360, 50 RBI, 4 HRs), left-handed ace, freshman pitcher of the year Chris Hernandez (11-0, 2.72 ERA) and budding relief pitcher and newly annointed closer Kyle Bellamy (6-0, 1.86 ERA). But aside from those three, there are simply a lot of questions. Morris could not complete a lineup when asked about it on two different occassions Monday, instead giving reporters a rough draft of where some guys will likely be playing.

"This is probably the team where I have the least number of starters returning in my college career," said Morris, who had three players (first baseman Yonder Alonso, second baseman Jemile Weeks and pitcher Carlos Gutierrez) taken in the first round of the June draft and three more (outfielders Dennis Raben and Blake Tekotte and third baseman Mark Sobolewski) take on the first day.

"With that said, I keep telling myself and reminding myself when we lost [Pat] Burrell, [Aubrey] Huff, [Jason] Michael and [Alex] Santos that the next year nobody gave us a chance and we won it [1999]. That’s how I go to sleep every night. This club is like that club. It’s a very young club, even though we did have a few more veterans returning in 1999 than we do this year. It’s still exciting."

> The first four spots in the order appear to be locked in at least according to what Morris told us. He said he envisions freshman Nate Melendres leading off and playing center field followed by JUCO transfer Scott Lawson batting second and playing second base, Jackson batting third and playing short and JUCO transfer Chris Hermann hitting cleanup.

After that, it gets a little hazy. Morris mentioned senior Jason Hagerty (who could play first base, catcher or left field) next, followed by freshman Harold Martinez (a corner infielder) and catcher Yasmani Grandal in the seventh or eight spot. It looks like senior Dave DiNatale (the team's top returning power hitter with nine home runs and a .295 average) will be starting in right field. Ther other spot -- left field -- is a coin flip. Morris said senior Jonathan Weislow, used primarily as a pinch-runner last season and with six career starts, would likely get the first crack at the spot Friday. But Hagerty and senior Ryan Perry, a utility player, would also get a look.

"There’s going to be a lot of combinations to try and figure out how to get those guys in there," Morris said. "We got to get our best nine players in the lineup."

THE PITCHING STAFF

Pitching coach J.D. Arteaga seems a little less worried about his group, which obviously returns one of the best in the country in Hernandez. Despite the loss of No. 2 starter and left-hander Eric Erickson (who will miss the season recovering from Tommy John surgery), Arteaga told me he's confident UM will find somebody very good to fill his spot in the rotation.

Right now, it looks like last year's alternate starter, senior right-hander David Gutierrez, is ready to assume the role. Gutierrez went 5-0 last season in seven starts with a 4.75 ERA. "After that we have a group of freshman that I feel are going to be very good, just guys who haven’t done it yet," Arteaga said. "But the ability is there without a doubt."

Arteaga mentioned four guys with the potential to fill the next two spots. They are: redshirt freshman left-hander D.J. Swatscheno, freshman left-hander Danny Miranda and freshmen right-handers Kevin Youst and Travis Miller.

“Danny Miranda and Kevin Youst are the same pitcher,” Arteaga said. “One is left handed and one is right-handed. Both have outstanding changeups. They both locate their fastball very well. Both are very competitive. The change is up what really sets them apart from other guys. DJ is a little different. He’s a left-handed power guy, who was the highest ranked left-handed pitcher in the state before he had an arm injury. We’re just getting him healthy, getting him ready. I think before they’re done they will all have very good careers here. It’s just a matter of getting them going.”

The closer's role as I mentioned earlier will belong to Bellamy. But it's not a position he has locked in. "He closed a few games last year," Arteaga said. "But it’s a big jump. Just because you had a great year as a setup guy doesn’t mean it’s going to translate. Pitching the eighth inning and the ninth inning are two completely different animals. He did it in the ACC championship game. He has done it. I have confidence he’s going to do it."

If Bellamy struggles, his most likely replacement would be newcomer and JUCO transfer Taylor Wulf. The 6-0, 235-pound junior right hander was a starter as a sophomore at Alvin Community College, but was a closer as a freshman. He has strong curve ball as a strikeout pitch and has the full backing of Arteaga. "He's got the mentality for it," Arteaga said.

> I'll have more to share with you in the coming weeks from baseball including interviews with the Canes' three biggest newcomers: the Texas trio of JUCO players, who are being counted on heavily to deliver right away. Plus, some good stuff from Ryan Jackson and Ryan Hagerty.

Recruiting analyst: 'Miami basketball is relevant'

When it comes to basketball recruiting, there isn't a guy more knowledgeable in the country than Scout.com's Dave Telep. He's been in the business more than a decade and is on the board that chooses McDonald's All-American's, the Naismith High School Award winner and the Gatorade Player of The Year. So, when I called him moments after Durand Scott picked Miami on Wednesday and he gushed about the job Frank Haith has done building Miami's basketball program I made sure to listen closely.

Here's what Telep, Scout.com's National Recruiting Director, had to say.

Q: What does landing Scott mean to Miami basketball?
A: "It's an enormous addition. It comes to this: they won a long recruiting battle with two of the best programs in the country. It's a big deal. They played their cards right. Miami doesn't have the tradition of being a traditional powerhouse program. They've got to scratch and claw for everything they get. But they're in a position now to sustain from success. Frank Haith will be the first person to tell you none of this comes easy. It's a constant grind when you are battling the line you are in the ACC and you are competing with Connectictut and Pittsburgh for a kid like Scott. That's a grind. I can't say enough what a victory this is for Frank Haith."

Q: Is this the big-name, landmark signee they were looking for to put them over the top, for this program to pound its chest and say we're getting the big-time guys now? Or, has that day already come and gone in your eyes?
A: "I think every year is just another chapter in the book. If you look at Miami's basketball program right now, you see a program on the rise that's not going to be a one-hit wonder. It's built for the long term. Bringing in Durand Scott, Garrius Adams, Donnovan Kirk and a Lisandro-Ruiz Moreno [who still has not signed], it's another foundation for another strong basketball team. Miami basketball is past those days of being on the outside looking in. Miami basketball is relevant now."

Q: What kind of player is Scott? What does he give Miami on the court?

A: "He's a very good defensive player. He has a lot of pride in playing defense and in high school that's a rare treat. He's a streaky shooter, so he's got to improve on that. But he can be a secondary ball-handler. He can shift in, rebound, pass, be a Jack of All Trades wing player. At the end of the day, though, what makes him special is he is wired to win. Winning matters to Durand Scott. Sometimes, you got to teach a guy to want to win. You don't have to with him. He wants to win in AAU season. Garius Adams is the same way. You can't put a price on what that means to your team. You already have a winning culture in Coral Gables and now you are bringing in guys who feed the monster. He should not be labeled as a savior, just another very good player."

Q: After this season, Miami is set to lose All-ACC guard Jack McClinton, Lance Hurdle, Jimmy Graham and Brian Asbury. How do you see this team next year with all the new additions with a guy like DeQuan Jones and a guy like Malcolm Grant in the mix?
A: "I envision a tempo and a pace that is basically an aggressive team that can guard you 94 feet, up and down the length of the floor and run, run, run on offense. They are going to be very athletic and very good."

Q: This class could still have one more huge chip added to the mix -- the No. 1 player in the country in North Carolina point guard John Wall. What do you think are the realistic hopes Miami fans should have in also getting Wall?

A: "Miami is in its infancy stages with John Wall right now. All you can do is sell your program and see what direction it goes in. John Wall is the equivalent of getting Manny Ramirez in free agency. You make your best pitch to him and hope he bites. That would be the highest profile recruit to ever commit to Miami. But we're a long way -- probably five months -- away from that one."

This and that: Bryce, Bowling, Baseball

With UM taking some time off this week before resuming practice and preparation today for next week's trip to Texas A&M, things slowed down a little bit here at Eye On The U. But we're ready to get rolling again.

In case you missed it, since I didn't have a blog Tuesday, I had a live Q&A yesterday at 1 p.m.  -- my new time slot for the rest of the season. Most of the questions I fielded were about offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, Florida's decision to kick a late field goal, Miami's game-plan against the Gators and UM freshman linebacker Arthur Brown. Here's a link to the chat transcript.

> Before I get to what UM coach Randy Shannon talked about during the ACC Teleconference Wednesday, I wanted to share with you what I learned from my conversation with Miami's most prized 2009 recruit, Rivals.com's No. 1 running back Bryce Brown. The younger brother of Canes freshman linebacker Arthur Brown doesn't talk to the media much. So, getting him is a rare treat.

I already shared with you Monday Bryce's excitement about the way Miami played Florida last weekend, but here is what else we talked about.

Q: When are you planning to visit UM officially? And are there any other trips lined up?
A: Well, I was supposed to head down there this weekend during UM's off week. But I talked to Coach Barrow this week and he told me it would be better if I came later in the year. So, I'll take it in December to help out with more recruits. I'm going to take my trip this weekend instead to TCU.

Q: Are there any other schools you'll visit? And are there other schools you are seriously considering besides UM?
A: It's really Missouri, Oregon, Clemson and Miami. The two main schools I really want to consider (aside from UM) are Clemson and Oregon, but more Oregon. I'm very impressed with their offense and the way coach [Chip] Kelly coaches The way he runs his offense is amazing. He's always getting balls to his playmakers.

Q: How often do you get to talk to your brother?
A: I talk to him every now and then. He's been busy. And I've been busy with trying to graduate early. I'm trying to get finish with a 4.0 [GPA]. I always strive to be the best. Right now, I'm taking five glasses. Normally, seniors around here take two. I've got Sociology, Modern Lit, English Comp, Psychology, Chemistry. So, it's a challenge. But I really want to finish with a 4.0. That's what I got right now and that's my goal.

Q: What have UM coaches telling you lately?
A: I talk to coach [Tommie] Robinson and coach Barrow after games. He's always calling me to talk a little bit about life. They just want me to come in prepared, ready to go. I told them that after the season, I'm going to take a week off. And then, when I come down, I'll be ready to go.

Q: What is your goal when you get to UM?
A: My goal is to actually start. I know Graig and Javarris, they definitely showed me a good time when I was down there. They're very respectful and great guys. But they know when I come down, I'm not coming to sit on the bench. I'm going to play hard and try to get on that field right away.

Q: Arthur isn't playing a whole lot right now. Is he still happy with UM?
A: He loves it. He says the atmosphere is amazing. It's really a family there. He'd rather be no other place.

Q: Is there a chance you could really end up somewhere else other than Miami?
A: If I had to say a school, I'd say Oregon. But I've never seen it. It's a free trip, a good opportunity to check it out.

>As for Shannon, he stayed away Wednesday from picking anymore at Florida or coach Urban Meyer during his 10 minutes on the ACC Teleconference. I'm glad he did. I just wish he had done the same Sunday and again on Tuesday when he went on the Joe Rose show. Maybe now, we can move on.

As for news, all Shannon did Wednesday was confirm running back Javarris James has a high ankle sprain and that he he expects him to miss 2 to 4 weeks. He also expanded a little bit on how much the Canes missed JJ in its running game. "Javarris is our big back that can pound it," Shannon said. "... Florida did a good job coming off blocks when we didn't finish the blocks, diving and making a lot of good arm tackles, hitting the backs of legs and things like that. With Javarris he might have kept his footing. This week we'll work on guys continuing to do their leg drives."

Shannon said to look for Coop, Derron Thomas, Shawnbrey McNeal (who is from Texas) and Lee Chambers to get the majority of reps against a bad Aggies team (that lost to Arkansas State in its opener at home). Shannon, by the way, didn't mention converted running back Damien Berry at all.

Shannon also said he'd like for the Canes to play at 8 p.m. Right now, the team will either play at 3:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. on Sept. 20. The game will be carried on ABC.

> COME BOWL WITH THE CANES: I know it's almost against the law at UM to break up any football conversation with talk of basketball or baseball, but I figured you might let me get by since this is an off week.

For those of you in South Florida, UM coach Frank Haith and his team will be conducting a team fundraiser this weekend from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lucky Strike Lanes (located at 1691 Michigan Avenue) in Miami Beach.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the team and coaching staff, and participate in an auction for prizes, including a game experience package with travel to Lexington, Ky., to watch the Hurricanes play at Kentucky on Dec. 6.Tickets for guests are $100, while tickets for children 12 and under are $50. Admission includes food, beverage and a UM gift. For additional information or to register for the University of Miami Men's BasketBowl, please contact Stephanie Mansdorf (305-284-5240/smansdorf@miami.edu).

I'll be there to talk to a few players and coach Haith before the event kicks off. As for Haith, his team as you know had a pretty good season last year. Earlier this week, ESPNU announced it will air three ACC road games for the Hurricanes -- Jan. 10 at Boston College, Jan. 27 at N.C. State and Feb. 18 at Florida State. UM will make 10 national TV appearances this coming season. Not bad for the Canes.

> BASEBALL ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 13: Since we're already in trouble for talking basketball, why not go the extra mile and share with you some baseball news. After their spectacular run to the College World Series, UM announced its 2008 Signing Class Tuesday.

The list includes five players who were drafted. Here are the names with some short bios.

Ted Blackman, OF, 6-0, 180, S/R, Fr., Altmonte Springs Lake Brantley High, Fla.: Hit .380 with one homer and 12 stolen bases during his senior year in 2008. Named to the Seminole Athletic Conference first team as a senior and MVP of the Florida State Game his junior and senior seasons Led lead Lake Brantley to a 20-4 record and a 6A state championship.

Gerry Gonzalez, OF, 5-10, 170, L/L, Fr., Coral Gables Ransom Everglades High: Hit .470 with two homeruns, 25 RBI and five stolen bases his senior season and .420 with 18 RBI and six stolen bases his junior year.

Chris Herrmann, 3B/C, 6-0, 182, L/R, Jr., Tomball HS/Alvin CC, Tex.: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 10th round (296 overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft. Hit .442 with 14 home runs and a .711 slugging percentage at Alvin Community College and named to the NJCAA Division I All-American Team in 2008. Honored with the NJCAA Rawlings Big Stick Award

Scott Lawson, 2B/INF, 5-10, 185, L/R, Jr., Colleyville Heritage HS/Grayson CC, Tex.: Drafted by the Houston Astros in the 40th round (1,202 overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft. Led Grayson to the Junior College World Series Championship as a sophomore, hitting .468 with six homers, 40 RBI and 22 stolen bases on the season.

Harold Martinez, INF, 6-3, 200, R/R, Fr., Miami Braddock High: Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round (573 overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft. Hit .410 with eight homers and 27 RBI as a senior and .500 with three homers and 23 RBI as a junior at Braddock. Named first-team all-county as a senior and led his team to a district championship in 2008 and 2006. Played on the USA Junior National Team (18U) and the USA Youth National Team (16U).

Nathan Melendres, INF/OF, 5-10, 185, R/R, Fr., Miami Florida Christian: Named second-team All-Dade his senior season after hitting .398 with four home runs, 30 RBI and 15 stolen base. Brother Nick is a pitcher at Florida Atlantic University.

Travis Miller, LHP, 6-2, 210, L/R, Fr., Jupiter High: Had a combined record of 6-3 with 62 strikeouts in his two seasons at Jupiter HS. Helped team to a combined record of 44-11 (23-6 in 2008; 21-5 in 2007).

Daniel Miranda, LHP, 5-11, 220, L/L, Fr., Miami Killian: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 50th round (1,490 overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft. Earned third-team All-Dade his junior season after going 7-3 with a 1.94 ERA and 83 strikeouts.

Vickash Ramjit, 1B-3B-OF, 6-3, 200, R/R, Fr., Miami Columbus: Named all-county as a senior after hitting .387 with two home runs and 37 RBI in 2008.

Sam Robinson, LHP, 6-2, 175, L/L, Fr., Miami Killian: Named first-team All-Dade his senior year, earning a record of 5-2 with a 1.11 ERA and 50 strikeouts. Went 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA and 45 strikeouts as a junior in 2007, earning third-team All-Dade.

David Villasuso, C/1B, 5-10, 198, R/R, Fr., Miami Florida Christian: Hit .365 with seven home runs and 30 RBI as a senior and .375 with 11 homers and 33 RBI as a junior at Florida Christian.

Taylor Wulf, RHP, 6-0, 235, R/R, Jr., Santa Fe HS/Alvin CC, Tex.: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 39th round (1,180 overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft. Went 10-1 with a 3.82 ERA and 74 strikeouts his sophomore season at Alvin and was a unanimous all-conference selection in 2008 and served as the team's closer in 2007.

Kevin Youst, RHP, 6-3, 200, R/R, Fr., Plantation American Heritage High: Missed his senior season due to injury. Went 1-0 with a perfect 0.00 ERA as a junior.

> Ok, I'll be out at practice Wednesday and Thursday and will share with you what I learn.

Yonder signs with Reds

It's official. Yonder Alonso will not be returning to the University of Miami. The left-handed, power-hitting first baseman signed a $4.55 million deal late Friday night, an hour before the midnight deadline, to officially end his career as a Hurricane.

Alonso's agent Mike Maulini called me at 11:15 p.m. and had Yonder talk with me for about 10 minutes. Both are definitely relieved. I can't say it's a surprise. Even though Yonder told me last week there was a 50-50 chance he'd return for his senior season because contract negotiations weren't going well, the Reds weren't going to let him get away. They were supposedly $4 million apart (Yonder was asking for $7 mil, and the Reds were looking at $3). 

Alonso, who led UM to the College World Series in June, says he plans to finish school at UM and get his degree in Criminology. I got to say I'm happy for Yonder. When he came out of Coral Gables High as the All-Dade Hitter of the Year, he was drafted and offered $170K to sign a pro contract.

Instead, he went to UM and made the most of it. Included in his $4.55 million, 4-year deal is a $2 million signing bonus. "My family doesn't know what to do," Alonso said. "They're on cloud nine."

Maulini, who also advises UM signee Harold Martinez, said the former Braddock shortstop will be a Cane. Maulini said contract negotiations with the Texas Rangers broke off earlier this week.

Could Yonder return? There's a 50-50 chance

From the world of unlikely scenarios, one regarding the return of All-American first baseman Yonder Alonso to the University of Miami is quietly becoming a situation to watch. (READ THE UPDATED STORY)

According to our Marlins beat writer Clark Spencer, and now UM coach Jim Morris whom I spoke to this afternoon, negotiations between the Cincinnati Reds and Alonso (who was taken 7th overall) are not going well and there is a chance the star slugger could elect to return to the Canes for his senior year.

"I haven't talked to Yonder in about a week or so, but I know he's got a figure in his mind and I know they're a long way aways from that figure," Morris said Thursday afternoon. "If it doesn't work out, I think we could fit him in our lineup."

Alonso's advisor, Brian Peters, told Spencer recently Yonder is looking for "Pat Burrell money" -- or about $7 million and that if he didn't sign, Yonder would probably either return to UM or go to the Independent League, likely the latter. Alonso is currently working out in Miami with a trainer to stay in shape.

Alonso is one of eight first round draft choices currently unsigned, who must be under contract by the official deadline of August 15th. Otherwise, they can return to school or elect to play in the independent minor leagues.

The Canes, who were ranked No. 1 in the country before being bounced at the College World Series, were decimated by the draft. Morris expected some damage, with Weeks, Gutierrez, Raben, Tekotte and Garcia's signings not a surprise. But Sobolewski signing was somewhat of a surprise as was outfielder Adan Severino, who probably could've become a top-round pick in 2009 but opted to sign for $65,000.

"It's going to come down to the deadline of August 15th," Morris said. "If they've talked to Yonder in the last day or two, I'm not sure what's happened. He's got different alternatives. He can sign. He can come back to school or go to that northern league like J.D. Drew did. A good decision would be to come back to school.

"A guy like that coming back would be a big boost for anybody. He was arguably the best hitter in college baseball."

While Morris admits he's been intrigued by how long the negotiations have taken, he's not going to get overly excited or anxious. Still, he knows how much fun Alonso had at UM and how much it hurt him when the Hurricanes lost int he College World Series.

"Guys have signed at 11:59 p.m. on that last day, so I try not to get my hopes up too much because so many things happen on that last day," Morris said. "I don't know how many of the first rounders who have not signed yet, but I'm sure they're will be some that sign at the last minute.

"But we'd be more than ok if Yonder decided to come back."

Another 2 QB system?

University of Miami coach Randy Shannon didn't give reporters at Thursday's Florida Sports Writers Association meetings in Tampa any insight into who will be the starting quarterback this fall (I say its Robert Marve). But he did say something that might not sit well with fans of the U -- there's probably going to be another two quarterback system this fall (which I was counting on).

"Whichever quarterback that we name, we're going to play the other one," Shannon said without specifying any of the quarterbacks by name (as if Cannon Smith or Taylor Cook really have a shot). "We need depth at every position on the field and that's the one position that we don't have depth at because they're young. They're good quarterbacks, but they're young."

Shannon explained it won't be a platoon situation and said the way he envisions it, one person will emerge as the clear starter, and another will play at certain times to get a feel for game action -- in case that person gets called upon for a bigger role, for injury or any other reason.

Can't say I'm surprised. It's the only move that makes sense. While Shannon probably made a mistake last year by putting Kirby Freeman in the starting spot, he's got four guys who have never thrown a pass in college available to play quarterback. He's got to play at least two, one more than the other to develop rhythm (Marve) while letting the other (Jacory Harris) feel important and ready should they need them.

While all Canes fans might not like the move, they can at least take solace in this: at least its not Kyle Wright or Freeman who will be behind center. I know it was just the spring, but Marve and Harris looked so much better than their predecessors I honestly believe either one would have beaten them out last year for the starting job if they were around.

* In other tidbits from the meetings, Shannon confirmed defensive end Courtney Harris will miss the season and expects defensive end Allen Bailey (who is now up to 290 pounds) to recover from his pectoral injury in time for the start of the season. That's great news since I think Bailey is probably going to be the best defensive player Miami has this coming season.

J-MAC STILL GRINDING: As much as I'm itching for football info just like U (because getting basketball interviews are easier than football interviews) I was able to catch up with Jack McClinton Wednesday after his whirlwind camp tour this summer which included hook-ups with Chris Paul, Steve Nash and LeBron James. Jack, who is taking this week off from workouts to rest his tired knees (he's got tendinitis), told me he's become so close with Paul, an All-NBA First Team selection, he can call him whenever he wants to talk hoops. Paul named him the MVP of his camp in June after McClinton outplayed Florida's Nick Calathes, Davidson's Stephen Curry, Boston College's Tyrese Rice and about a dozen other collegiate studs at the camp. I'll have a full fledged story on Jack's travels in Friday's paper and maybe a full Q&A with him later this week... as for his teammates, McClinton told me all of them are excelling. But he -- like Julian Gamble -- pointed to freshman DeQuan Jones as impressive. "I saw highlights of him in high school, but it's his athleticism, how hard he goes that's impressive. He's really impressing me. We've never really had someone as athletic on the wing as him."

MERCADANTE PROMOTED: If getting basketball news four months before the start of the season bothers you, then this baseball night is going to send you off the deep end. Thursday, Jim Morris promoted Joe Mercadante (a former volunteer assistant the last four years) to fill in one of his vacant assistant coach spots. Mercadante will continue working with hitters and catchers, but now he'll get to recruit. Mercadante was basically Gino DiMare's right hand man when it came to hitting. Mercadante is a 2003 graduate of Florida, where he played catcher.

* NEW PODCAST: And lastly, I've finally recorded a new podcast of The Countdown with Larry Blustein, Rudy Rodriguez-Chomat and Andre C. Fernandez. It's mostly high school talk, but I do talk to Larry about some Cane recruits as well with Rudy about some of the basketball players UM is recruiting.

Back from Vacation

I don't know about you, but I was completely blown away last night watching Texas' Josh Hamilton belt 28 home runs in the first round of the All-Star Game home run derby. It's probably one of the most amazing athletic feats I've seen in sports -- right up there with those amazing rounds Tiger Woods puts together or those nights when Michael Jordan just seemed unstoppable. It was total domination not for a brief moment or a run, but for an extended period of time. It's only a shame Hamilton didn't finish the job and win the crown (the New England Patriots come to mind).

Our Miami Hurricanes -- the football Canes you care most about -- are nowhere near that kind of excellence yet. They're about as far off as Hamilton's eye-opening 519-foot blast was from home plate when it landed in center field. As I make my return from vacation this week, the only reason I bring up Hamilton is because one of the guys he overshadowed last night was former Canes standout Ryan Braun (one of the few Canes currently in action during this college offseason break). As impressive as Hamilton was last night, you have to throw Braun (the 2007 NL Rookie of The Year) in the argument when it comes to the best young players in baseball today. Braun finished tied for third in last night's contest with 14 homers and he's currently hitting .286 with 23 homers and 66 RBI on the season and will start for the NL tonight in left field. And the bottomline is he's not getting enough love! So, here's to you Brauny, the first official winner of the new Eye On The U Bad-Ass Award, which will be given out once weekly this coming year here at Eye On The U. Nominees of course are always welcome for Canes past and present.

--> A DATE WITH THE GOLDEN DOMERS? If there was a runner-up award, new Hurricanes athletic director Kirby Hocutt would be the recipient. After hearing the complaints last week from Canes fans angry about possibly not having The U at midfield, Miami's new, young athletic director stepped up to the challenge and gave Canes fans what they wanted. Now, as our Barry Jackson reports, Hocutt is interested in approaching Notre Dame about scheduling a game in the future once it hires an athletic director. It's probably not going to happen, but if Hocutt can some how pull that one off Canes fans are at least in the early stages going to love this guy. I don't know about you, but I grew up loving every second watching the Canes destroy the Irish. And that would be the No. 1 game on my wish list... here's one for all you that remember those old Convicts vs. Cathlolic days.

--> TWO FORMER CANES IN ARENABOWL CHAMPIONSHIP: Baseball isn't the only sport going on during these boring sports months of summer. For those of you in need of a football fix and Canes action, two former Canes from the 2001 national championship team will meet this weekend in ArenaBowl XXII Sunday at 3 p.m. Receiver/linebacker Jason Geathers will represent the defending champion San Jose Sabercats and lineman Martin Bibla will start for the Philadelphia Soul. Geathers had two TD catches, a touchdown run and returned an INT for a score in last weekend's playoff game.

--> ANOTHER DEQUAN FAN: University of Miami coach Frank Haith told reporters on numerous occassions last year he's predicting big things for incoming 6-6 freshman swingman DeQuan Jones. After catching up with Julian Gamble last week for a story I'm doing on his trip with Athletes in Action to Africa, all reports say Jones has been tearing it up against his new teammates during the team's offseason pickup games twice a week. Gamble told me Jones knows how to get to the basket and score and was a bit surprised by how advanced Jones was. My question is if Jones is as good as everyone says he is, who goes to the bench for UM -- Lance Hurdle or James Dews? It's not a big deal and it's actually a nice problem to have... also according to Gamble, redshirt sophomore Adrian Thomas is showing great signs after coming back from his second season-ending injury in a row. He said Thomas has shown better shooting touch than he's ever seen from him and demonstrating consistency hitting three-pointers.... Jack McClinton, meanwhile, shined yet again at another basketball camp -- this time LeBron James' camp in Ohio. The All-ACC First Team selection was supposedly praised so much by All-Star Chris Paul earlier this summer at Paul's camp that Paul insisted on calling Haith afterward to tell him how impressed he was with McClinton's work ethic.

--> RECRUITING UPDATE: Among the many phone calls I fielded during my "vacation" last week was one from one of my buddies over at The U, who breathlessly told me to expect the news that the Canes had landed a commitment from Columbus defensive tackle Antwan Lowery (ranked fourth by the Herald among Dade recruits). The call never came and when I tried to reach Lowery later that night, his high school coach told me Lowery was going to wait until August 1st to decide between either UM or Rutgers. Lowery's older brother Antonio is a linebacker at Rutgers. But after interviewing Lowery last month, I got the sense he's going to be a Cane in the end. Miami, desperate for talented linemen (on offense or defense), could definitely use him... if Lowery commits, he'll likely be one of the few local players from Dade or Broward who end up at UM this year. Miami is no longer interested in Dade's No. 1 recruit, running back Lamar Miller and has only one Dade or Broward commitment in American defensive end Olivier Vernon (who is visiting other schools). The only other players who say UM is genuinely recruiting them are Pace defensive back Kayvon Webster, Plantation cornerback Brandon McGee and American Heritage offensive lineman Jared Wheeler. McGee has told our reporters he will announce August 11th and has the Canes in his top five.

* Alright, that's enough from me for now. I'll be back periodically this week as we in the media wait for football access. Coach Randy Shannon will speak this Thursday morning at the Florida Sports Writers Association meetings in Tampa. I'm still not sure if The Herald will be sending me or not, but Jeff Shain will be there to report for us.