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Murray eager to begin career

TAMPA -- Josh Murray's house was a makeshift call center, complete with his 9-year-old sister, Stephanie, screening his personal cell phone calls.

Within seconds of becoming a second-round selection of the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, the 17-year-old's life was a whirlwind of media interviews, old and new friends and other random well-wishers. It would have seemed like a dream had Murray and his family not been so busy answering the phone.

"We've had at least 60 to 100 calls in the first few hours," Murray said. "It's all pretty amazing."

Amazing because the Jesuit shortstop had hoped for the best, but prepared himself for disappointing news. He was projected to be drafted in the first five rounds, but had embraced the idea of going to Maryland in the fall if the projections turned out to be wrong.

Murray plays for an Amateur Athletic Union team at the urging of his college coach, but the thought of playing in Tuesday night's game became less appealing as the excitement of being picked 48th overall sunk in.

Maryland coach and former University of Tampa coach Terry Rupp was one of the first to call and congratulate Murray.

Then came the obligatory call from a Maryland recruiter, who made a final attempt to persuade Murray to turn down the Brewers.

Not a chance.

"I'm ready to start my career," Murray said. "I feel very, very fortunate. My family and I are probably going to let it all soak in tonight."

The Brewers are expected to offer a signing bonus in the next 15 days. Murray received no indication of what the amount would be, but last year's 48th pick, Kelly Shoppach, signed with the Red Sox for $737,500.

Bloomingdale's Christian Madson was also expected to be drafted in the first five rounds, but after the ninth round came and went, Madson went fishing with his friends.

The White Sox finally picked the 6-foot-8, right-handed pitcher in the 14th round (No. 420 overall), but Madson has not decided whether that's high enough or not.

"I don't know. I'll have to talk to some people first," he said. "I'm disappointed."

Madson signed with Florida as his alternative and has until the first day of school in August to decide between college and professional baseball.

"My parents are disappointed, but they also wanted me to go to college," Madson said. "I could always try to get drafted in another three years. I haven't even thought about a college major yet."

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