- Full name Jason Sharber
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Jeffrey Jason Sharber has had an identity crisis since entering pro ball. He goes by Jason, though many sources continue to refer to him as Jeff. Sharber was considered a tough sign because of a scholarship from Vanderbilt, which is why he fell to the fifth round in 2000. When the Pirates failed to sign fourth-rounder Patrick Boyd (who went to Clemson and is now with the Rangers), they used that money to sign Sharber and 25th-rounder Nate McLouth. Sharber has an outstanding curveball for a young pitcher, as it buckles knees and serves as his out pitch. He also has a good changeup and throw strikes. Sharber's fastball is only average at this stage and lacks movement. He also throws a slider, though the Pirates may have him ditch it in order to concentrate more on his curve. Sharber has a tendency to get heavy and must continually stay on top of his conditioning. He went 56 days without a win toward the end of last season, so he may need more time at the high Class A level. -
The Pirates were able to land many draft picks considered tough signs during Mickey White's three years as scouting director. Count Sharber among them, as the Pirates steered him away from a scholarship to Vanderbilt late in the summer of 2000. He started off last year in extended spring training, overmatched hitters in three starts in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and continued to pitch well after being promoted to low Class A. Sharber has relied primarily on a 92-mph fastball to get hitters out at the lower levels. He also has a good slider. Like many novice pro pitchers, he still is learning how to change speeds off his fastball. He also needs to refine his changeup. Sharber has a stocky build and there's concern that his conditioning could hinder his development. He has had little trouble making the jump into pro ball to this point. The Pirates will consider challenging this season, starting him in high Class A if he has a good spring training.