Lincoln Signs Former Sun Devil Closer Jason Jarvis
March 28, 2008 - American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release
LINCOLN, NEB. - The Lincoln Saltdogs strengthened their bullpen for the start of the 2008 season by signing one of the nation's top collegiate closers in former Arizona State Sun Devil, Jason Jarvis.
As a freshman in 2007, Jarvis joined the Sun Devil program after a semester in junior college and did not become eligible to pitch at ASU until March. He went onto to appear in 21 games and posted a 2-2 record with a 4.50 ERA with a freshman record 11 saves, which ranked him fourth in the Pac 10 Conference. He struck out 22 and walked only eight in 30 innings of work and also of note, outside of one sub-par outing shortly after joining the team, his earned run average was 2.99.
This spring, Jarvis began the 2008 collegiate season as the Sun Devils' closer and recorded two saves before being declared ineligible in February because of a dispute over the grading of an online exam. While he was cleared of academic dishonesty after appeal, his grade was not restored and he was then ruled academically ineligible for the remainder of the season. Rather than sit out, Jarvis elected to leave the school and apply to the Commissioner's office for inclusion in the Major League's amateur draft. His application has since been approved and thus the 6-2, 195-pound right-hander will be available for selection in the June draft. Jarvis comes to Lincoln through his agent, Oscar Suarez, who has represented several players who have signed with the Saltdogs. When Jarvis elected to turn pro, Suarez again turned to Lincoln and a deal was reached.
Jarvis joins a list of prominent amateur prospects who have begun their professional careers in the Independent ranks prior to entering the draft or signing with a Major League Organization. Among those in recent seasons who have competed in the Northern League and American Association include Tagg Bozied (Sioux Falls), Luke Hochevar (Fort Worth), and J.D. Drew (St. Paul).
A native of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jarvis was one of the top prep pitching prospects in the Class of 2006 after leading powerhouse Chaparral High School to two state championships. As a senior, he finished with a 12-0 record and a 1.40 ERA and was drafted in the 25th round by Anaheim. Jarvis was slated to attend the University of San Diego but elected to enroll at Chandler-Gilbert Community College for a semester before transferring to ASU. In addition to his high school resume, Jarvis led his summer team, the Arizona Firebirds, to the 2006 Connie Mack World Series championship and was named the tournament's MVP while playing the outfield and catching as well as serving as the team's pitching ace.
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American Association Stories from March 28, 2008
- Pelicans Sign Two From American Association Try-Outs - Pensacola Pelicans
- Lincoln Signs Former Sun Devil Closer Jason Jarvis - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Cats Sign Lefty Tripp From Tryout Camp - Fort Worth Cats
- Wingnuts Slay Dragons, On To Final Four - Wichita Wingnuts
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