JOSHUA SHARPLESS

1/26/81; '03 24th; Allegheny (PA) College
R/R; 6-5, 225

Level	W-L-Sv	G	GS	IP	H	BB	K	ERA
2003 A-	1-1-5	22	0	31.1	19	17	45	2.59
2004 A	6-2-4	44	0	74.1	42	55	109	3.03

Level	W-L-Sv	G	GS	IP	H	BB	K	ERA	OAVG	OOBP	OSLG
2005 AA	1-0-0	7	0	9.1	6	3	13	2.89	.171	.231	.257
2005 A+	3-0-5	17	0	27.0	7	11	46	0.00	.081	.186	.105

Sharpless became a minor sensation in 2005, as he threw 27 IP at Lynchburg without allowing an earned run. He also limited opposing hitters to a measly 081/186/105 line while fanning 15.3 batters per 9 IP. He continued to dominate after a promotion to AA—although he did finally allow a few earned runs—but he got shut down after 7 games due to elbow tendonitis.

As a college senior, Sharpless went 6-2, 2.54, allowing 50 hits and 29 BBs while striking out 84 in 63.2 IP. After the draft, he was a mainstay in the Williamsport bullpen, allowing few hits and fanning a lot of hitters, but he had control problems at times. He continued the same pattern at Hickory, with great K/IP and H/IP #s but far too many walks. One of the good signs from his 2005 season was improved control, although it could still get better. One key to Sharpless' success seems to be that he's a tall guy who throws straight over the top, creating a tough angle for hitters and frequently tying them up inside. When he first joined the system, he threw a 90-91 mph fastball, with a good slider. By 2005, however, he reportedly was throwing more often around 93-94.

Sharpless was pitching without pain in fall instructional league. He was added to the 40-man roster after the season. If he's healthy, he's likely to return to Altoona to start 2006, but if he shows anything like the level of dominance he showed in 2005, he could reach AAA and even the majors fairly soon.

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