July 21, 2007

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Former North Carolina standouts Andrew Carignan and Reid Fronk, who were drafted in June before leading the Tar Heels to a second straight national runner-up finish, joined the ranks of professional baseball this week after signing contracts with the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, respectively.

Carignan joined the Kane County Cougars, a Class A Midwest League team, last week but has not pitched in a game. Fronk made his professional debut with the Hudson Valley Renegades, a Class A Short-Season New York Penn League squad, Friday. He started at designated hitter and went 0-for-2.

According to Saturday's Detroit Free Press, right-hander Luke Putkonen also recently signed, meaning all six Tar Heels drafted this season have inked professional contracts. Twenty-three former Carolina standouts are now active in pro baseball.