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May 22, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

I’m not sure if a former Tar Heel baseball player has ever landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated but that is exactly what happened when Harvey graced the cover of the magazine’s May 20^th edition. He’s not just a pitching ace. He’s also a hitter. Many have compared him to Dr. K himself (without the cocaine problem). Originally from Connecticut, Harvey was coached in high school by his father, Ed, and he was initially drafted in the 3^rd round in 2007. Right out of high school, Harvey surprisingly declined the seven figure contract and instead ventured south to Chapel Hill and play baseball for the Tar Heels.

Harvey threw for three seasons at Carolina, and I think his numbers speak for themselves:

The Heels made it to Omaha in two of the three seasons that Harvey was on the roster as they failed to make it to the CWS in his final season. Harvey was known for his signature fastball which usually clocked in around the low to mid 90s. That sort of fire power as well as his versatility led SI writer, Tom Verducci, to dub him, “the most fascinating young power arm in baseball.” Despite only pitching three seasons for the Diamond Heels, Harvey finished 9^th among Tar Heels all time in strikeouts and 10^th in total wins. So, it was hardly a surprise when Harvey went 7^th overall to the New York Mets in the 2010 MLB draft.

Like most prospects Harvey spent the first couple of years in the Mets’ farm system where he bounced around from Binghamton to Florida and finally back to a Triple-A Buffalo team in 2012 where he continued to work on precision and execution. Harvey finally made it to “The Show” in July of 2012 when he made his pitching debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Harvey finished out the 2012 season with a mediocre 3-5 record.

However, the 2013 season so far has belonged to Matt Harvey who currently enjoys a 1.55 ERA after starting ten games. The Mets are also hoping they have found a true, hot commodity in baseball, a pitcher who can also connect with the bat. Last week, Harvey punished the Chicago Cubs atop the mound and at the plate. He allowed only two Cubs’ runs while pitching, but perhaps more importantly he drove in the game-winning run for the Mets. Harvey’s ability to be everywhere at once has earned him the moniker, “The Dark Knight of Gotham.” Mets’ fans certainly hope this is just a preview of perhaps the second coming of Tom Seaver. Jesse Hahn, one of Harvey’s high school teammates, was quoted in the New York Daily News, “To this day, I’m not sure if any hitter I’ve seen in pro ball has a hit a ball harder than the balls Matt would hit.”

All of this is great news for New York Mets who have, are and always will be the other baseball team in New York City. While the Chicago Cubs are “The Loveable Losers,” many refer to the boys who play at Shea as simply, “The Mutts.” Perhaps they have finally found a rare breed in the pitching and hitting power of Harvey, but they’re going to need much more help if they want to have a dog in the fight come September. As a Chicago Cubs fan, I cannot root for the New York Mets, but I can wish nothing but success for Matt Harvey. Once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel.

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a lot of speculation that the Hoosiers have been in the lead for his services due to Indiana being his only official visit, but Pinson, being from the North Carolina triad area, is only a 45 minute drive from Duke and UNC which can never be overlooked.  Theo has visited both schools a bunch and has been seen behind the bench of both teams for basically every home game.  So, in my opinion, he could easily end up in the ACC.

Theo Pinson has been playing very well on the AAU circuit as of recent and would be a great pick up for the Heels if he decides to come to Chapel Hill.  Pinson standing around 6’4, 6’5 is an athletic guard who can score as well as dish out the ball.  Pinson is a leader and is very vocal and plays with pure emotion, helping him pump up his team.  Off the ball, Pinson has a nice long wingspan, compared to other two guards, which helps rebound and play on the defensive end.  Theo would join a talented back court in the class with Joel Berry and Justin Jackson, and possibly another one of the several guards Roy Williams has offered for the 2014 season.  With an already deep front court for years to come (minus James Michael Macadoo) the back court will need to be ready to replace the departures of PJ Hairston and Leslie McDonald and Theo would be a great piece to help with that process.

Whichever school lands Pinson will have a solid ball player.  While UNC is considered a strong contender for landing Pinson’s services so don’t be surprised if he wears Carolina blue.  According to Inside Carolina, there will be two attendees from their staff in attendance for the announcement which, if history tells us anything, is a good sign for North Carolina. If Pinson does not commit, you don’t have to worry!  There are a lot of capable guards under Roy’s eye.  Rashad Vaughn, who says he almost committed, and the sharp shooting assassin Devin Booker, athletic wing D’Angelo Russell and sharpshooter Ahmed Hill are all fit to run in Roy’s system.  There is also the rumor of Roy possibly offering small forward Jalen Lindsey if Pinson goes elsewhere and Alabama transfer Trevor Lacey remains a possibility.  Carolina will be fine regardless, but for now sit back and relax and see where the young man goes.