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Maryland Baseball: Terps could have a few names called during MLB Draft

By Chris Bengel

Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; The Maryland Terrapins mascot "Testudo" dances on the court during a stoppage in play against the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; The Maryland Terrapins mascot "Testudo" dances on the court during a stoppage in play against the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Maryland baseball team had a very successful run throughout the 2017 season.

The MLB Draft begins on Monday and lasts for three days. During that time, the Terrapins could have multiple players that hear their names called.

In the 2016 edition, pitcher Mike Shawaryn was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the fifth round. However, it appears that a player could be snatched up a whole lot earlier this year.

According to Baseball America’s top 200 player rankings, shortstop Kevin Smith is the highest rated Terp as he comes in at No. 79. He is also rated as the 11th-best shortstop.

Smith is coming off a season in which he .268 to go along with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs, both of which were team highs. He also scored 38 runs and posted a .950 fielding percentage.

The junior shortstop is having quite the calendar year.

Smith had an eye-popping performance in the Cape Cod League, which features some of the best college players in the country. The New York native hit .301 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 41 games for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.

He was also named to the Cape Cod League All-Star Game in which he suited up for the East squad.

In addition to Smith, starting pitcher Brian Shaffer also has a chance to hear his name called at some point during the draft.

Baseball America has the Maryland right-hander rated at No. 125 in their rankings. He is also rated as the 66th-best pitcher.

Shaffer went 7-4 with a 2.66 ERA in 108.1 innings in 2017. He also recorded 109 strikeouts while walking just 18 batters for the Terps.

The former North Harford (Md.) standout also was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. Shaffer was also named as a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, which is annually given to the top amateur baseball player in the nation.

Finally, outfielder Marty Costes comes in at No. 207 in Baseball America’s rankings for the upcoming draft.

Costes was one of Maryland’s top offensive threats at the plate. In 61 games, the Baltimore native hit .322 (third on the team) while belting 13 home runs and knocking in 46 runs.

The star outfielder also scored 45 runs and had 15 extra base hits. In addition, Costes worked a team-high 34 walks.

Unlike Smith and Shaffer, Costes is the most likely player to be selected on Day 2 of the draft.

Next: Torrey Smith developing chemistry with Carson Wentz

Maryland looks primed to have a great week at the MLB Draft, which takes place in Secaucus at the MLB Network headquarters. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see all three players sign major league contracts this summer and begin their professional journeys.

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