Maryland Terrapins
Overall Rank: #33
Conference Rank: #2 Big Ten
Maryland Team Page
Maryland begins a new era in the Big Ten Conference, looking to build on their incredible run last year to the Super Regionals. The combination of momentum from the 2014 season, talent returning, and the move to a conference that should allow Maryland to compete for conference champions, should create a perfect storm that will elevate this program to even greater heights in 2015.
2014: 40-23, 15-14
2014 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: John Szefc
Field Players:
Despite the losses of Blake Schmitt and Charlie White and their combined 41 stolen bases and ability to hit for a very high average, this Terrapin team should still be able to scratch and claw offensively to cause endless havoc for opposing teams. Brandon Lowe is the most productive all-around returning player for Maryland in 2015. Lowe hit .348, drove in 42 runs, and has a very disciplined eye at the plate, as he walked 34 times while only striking out 20 in 2014. Jose Cuas will be the primary source of power for the Terrapins this season. Cuas hit five homeruns and drove in 42 and is a bit of a free swinger. He struck out 49 times while walking only 14 times in 204 at bats.
Pitchers:
Maryland brings back a strong core of pitchers starting with Mike Shawaryn and Brandon Ruse, who should be able to carry the load for the Terrapins during Big Ten Conference weekend series. Shawaryn was 11-4 last season and did a nice job of letting his defense go to work behind him by limiting walks and scattering hits to minimize the opponents opportunities to break games open. Ruse only started four times last season, but has the potential to be a quality weekend starter over the long haul. Jake Drossner should round out the weekend rotation after going 4-1 with a 2.45 earned run average and striking out 59 in 62.1 innings of work.
Who to Watch:
Kevin Mooney as the closer in 2014 was effective. He tallied 13 saves for the Terrapins, who were an excellent 8-1 in one-run games last season. However, there are some areas that if Mooney improves upon could launch him into the conversation as the top closer in all of college baseball. Mooney allowed 36 hits in 35.1 innings which contributed to opponents hitting .259 against him. If that batting average allowed can be lowered, by say 30 points, that should also lower the earned run average from 4.33 to less than 3.00, which would be much more ideal for someone in the closer role.
Final Projection:
There is a nice balance to Maryland’s schedule across the board this season. On February 15th, the Terrapins will have a very early test against Coastal Carolina down in Myrtle Beach. A matchup awaits with Arkansas the following week at a tournament in Mobile, Alabama that will give Maryland a good run through of playing a quality NCAA caliber team on a neutral field. A key series against Cal State Fullerton in College Park during the month of April will be the biggest out of conference test for the Terrapins this season. A series win over the Titans could catapult them into the conversation for a top 16 seeding for the NCAA Tournament. The Big Ten schedule is pretty home friendly as well, with series against Minnesota in the first ever Big Ten series and a visit from Nebraska and Indiana. The road schedule in conference is not too bad and the Terrapins should be able to get some series wins and keep themselves in contention for the Big Ten Title. Overall, Maryland won’t sneak up on anyone this season and they have more than enough talent to get back to the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Baseball Tournament
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Jose Cuas, IF, 204
Hits: Brandon Lowe, IF, 63
Home Runs: Jose Cuas, IF, 5
RBIs: Jose Cuas, IF, 42; Brandon Lowe, IF, 42
Runs: Lamonte Wade, OF/IF, 37
Stolen Bases: Brandon Lowe, IF, 8
Wins: Mike Shawaryn, P, 11
Innings Pitched: Mike Shawaryn, P, 92.1
Strikeouts: Mike Shawaryn, P, 72
Saves: Kevin Mooney, P, 13
Madness 2015 Baseball Recruit Rankings:
#30 Willie Rios
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