Josh Shortslef

Joshua Page Shortslef

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 6' 4", Weight 240 lb.
• High School Hannibal High School

• Born February 1, 1982 in Oswego, NY USA

BR minors page

Biographical Information

Josh Shortslef was the sixth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2000 amateur draft and, deciding not to play for the University of South Carolina, began his career that year with the GCL Pirates, going 3-2 with a 3.73 ERA. Back with the Bradenton-based boys the next year, he went 2-3, 3.63 with worse secondary numbers. Remaining in short-season play in his third year, Josh had a fine 10-4, 3.33 year for the 2002 Williamsport Crosscutters with 18 BB in 75 2/3 IP, though he gave up 84 hits. He led the New York-Penn League in victories. Baseball America named him the #14 prospect in the loop.

In '03, Shortslef had a horrid 0-5, 7.50 mark in his five starts for the Hickory Crawdads. He rebounded to go 11-5 with a 4.34 ERA for Hickory a year later, though he remained hittable (.276 average against). His run of good records went to 3 in 4 years as he had a 10-5, 4.58 mark for the Lynchburg Hillcats in 2005 though opponents hit .284.

In '06, he battled an injury to his left forearm muscle and went 6-2, 4.45 in 12 starts for the Altoona Curve with 13 walks in 60 2/3 IP. He was 1-1 with a 3.78 ERA in rehab appearances with the GCL Bucs. He allowed 8 runs in 2/3 of an inning in the playoffs that year against the Akron Aeros. The season gave him a career record of 43-27 despite unimpressive ERAs throughout. He was added to Pittsburgh's 40-man roster after the year.

Sources: 2001-2006 Baseball Almanacs, Pirates unofficial e-mail list, Minorleaguebaseball.com, Altoona Curve website