Re: TNET: SEC transfer pitcher commits to Clemson

TigerNet News® · 2025-06-29T00:12:27.657Z

SEC transfer pitcher commits to Clemson Read Update »

DougKingsmoreCrusade

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Jun 29, 2025, 10:04 PM [ in reply to Re: TNET: SEC transfer pitcher commits to Clemson ]

Clemgalalways® I agree with some of this. It is cool to get a guy from Tennessee, but I will admit, outside of the previous school, I don't see much that inspires me here. It looks like he was a midweek starter/low leverage reliever who pitched almost exclusively against inferior competition. Apparently, his velocity also isn't great, as he's got a high 80's/low 90's fastball. When a significant portion of the highlight video is pickoff throws, that's not a great sign. The other issue is that he's already a senior, so it's not like he's got a lot of room for development left as potential long-term project.

Looking at his game log, I like this even less. In his only action against power-4 competition, he faced 1 batter vs Auburn, whom he walked on 4 straight pitches before being pulled. Against LSU, he faced 2 batters, giving up a double on the 2nd pitch. The next hitter was intentionally walked, then Sharman was taken out. He fared better against Kentucky, retiring the only batter he faced on 4 pitches. Looking at the rest of the mid-major teams he faced, he was alright, but not spectacular. For the season, he pitched 22.2 innings, giving up 19 hits, 8 earned runs, 10 walks, 25 strikeouts, and a .229 average against. He made 17 appearances, 3 starts. Most of his outings went an inning or less, and his longest appearance was 4.1 innings.

I don't know if the comparisons to McGovern and Garris are sensible though. I'd certainly say Garris is better; he's a proven, high leverage reliever with pretty good velo, good stuff, and command. But I don't know if that's even the role they'd want Sharman in; they seem like different types of players. McGovern would actually be a lot more comparable to him, in my opinion. I don't want to knock Jacob because he's been very effective when used properly as a change-of-pace reliever, and he was the difference in the game for the Tigers in that regional opener against Upstate. And all this is being said about a guy who wasn't regarded as a significant recruit. But to an extent, he's still a gimmick player. The off-speed stuff is great, but his velocity is nonexistent. As we've seen multiple times, when the coaches try to start him or extend him too far, he gets shelled. He does a lot better when used as a versatile, change-of-pace reliever. I imagine Sharman could do well in a similar role since they seem like similar players.

I don't agree with the sentiment that we're "leaking oil" with transfers, draftees, and seniors. I honestly don't think we've lost much aside from what we all expected. Obviously, Cam's getting drafted. Listi, Ciufo, and Paino have exhausted eligibility, but respectfully, I don't think any of them will be missed greatly in the batter's box, except maybe Listi to an extent. As for transfers, Bissetta showcased good power in the '24 season, but never demonstrated good contact or consistency. The injury this year certainly played a part in that, but he still regressed either way. I don't think that loss really hurts much. And frankly, the coaches have brought in some great portal hitters that should already have that covered and then some, and ought to by and large be better players than the ones we lost.

TP was the one that was more unexpected. He's certainly one I'd rather still have. He showed power potential, a great arm, and some pitching ability. His ceiling is high, but he's still very raw. As we all saw, he was in the mix, and he came on a bit at the plate at the end of the year. But he certainly wasn't great yet as either a pitcher or a hitter. He hit .224 with a .642 OPS and 0 homers, while pitching to an 8.00 ERA. Again, he's certainly got potential, and I wish he'd stayed. It'll be fascinating to see how he does at Oklahoma State. But I also think the impact of his departure has been somewhat overblown by fans. Maybe he'll go on to be great, but right now at least it's all just potential. Those numbers were not great. So the jury's still out on him.

As for pitching, Mahlstedt and Garris are out of eligibility, but we knew that would be the case before the season. BJ Bailey did also transfer out. I admired his toughness, and he had a great start to the season in the bullpen, elevating himself to a starting role. His first few starts went well, but in his later starts he really began to struggle. All told, he finished with a 5.46 ERA, giving up 65 hits in 61 innings. He likely entered the portal in pursuit of more playing time at a lower level. As far as Chayce Kieck is concerned, I don't want to bash the kid, but as you said, he didn't look good this year. And I saw no real indication that he'd be a guy who'd turn into much of a contributing piece later.

I see where you're coming from about the desperation part, and that was something I'd thought about earlier when that article came out. But I actually do like that more than I dislike it still. At least that way we know that EB isn't just content to stand pat. He's actively committed to bringing in big-time transfer pitchers. And he's not shy about Omaha being the expected goal, regardless of any past failures. I like that. I also don't think it's fair to say he's renting a team. Yes, he's bringing in several transfers, but why not? Most of them have been very good. If you can get big impact players that still fit the culture, why not do it? The goal is to be as good as possible. And he's still got plenty of long-term high school recruits on the team, like Purify, Jarrell, Crighton, McCladdie, Dillard, Castellani, Prather, McGovern, LeGuernic, Bell, Bennett, Moehler, etc. You could make that same defense of Brownell too, I think. You see more transfers by percentage in basketball across the board anyway, so part of that is just the nature of the sport. Also, last year was particularly egregious because of the number of seniors combined with the number of bench pieces and fringe starters who proved to not be good enough.

But long story short, when you hear "Tennessee starting pitcher," Sharman isn't the guy you think of. Having said all that, I do hate to be this negative about a guy who just transferred in. I hope he makes me eat crow this season. At the very least, I think he could have a useful role on the team, just probably not as a starter or as a conventional high-leverage reliever.

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Thanks for keeping it real, and keeping me grounded. I could have said some things a lot better. I do like EB and think he's the right coach for Clemson.

The "leaking oil " comment as you eloquently laid out (much appreciated btw) was definitely overreacting. More venting than anything. I totally get that injuries happen and are uncomfortable... but that said, it seems every year we hear how great we're going to be. EB said we have 15 guys that should start but only 9 places... yes, I totally agree he's got to say that. I totally agree he's got to say he's pleased with our starting pitchers. It's coachspeak and I'd disrespect him if he said we suk.

Next year will be 16 years removed from Omaha. Honestly, if we'd have won our regional, lsu probably embarrasses us. I say this, and probably should have said it above. I really want to believe, and record wise, you can make the case that we were good and successful... but imo, we're regressing each year and that breaks my heart. Next year, I'll be 110 all in behind the team.

I don't buy the argument that Clemson can't compete with the upper echelon of the sec. EB was brought in to make us that team. We should absolutely be able to bring in or recruit top talent.

As for the renting comment. I should have clarified that. I get bball is different and Brad's doing a good job adapting to the bball model. I just don't believe we have to go down that route in baseball but it's starting to feel like we're getting desperate to throw a team together and make Omaha so we can all feel better.

No, I have no problem with it taking EB 5 or 6 years to build a long-term baseball model for success ala Dabo.

DougKingsmoreCrusade

TNET: SEC transfer pitcher commits to Clemson