USC'S SHARPE HAS ALL THE TOOLS SHORTSTOP KEYS TROJANS' ATTACK.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

Blake Sharpe is as versatile as they come.

He's played several different positions for the USC baseball team over the past two seasons, including first and second base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions. The only place he hasn't spent any time is catcher, a spot All-American Jeff Clement occupies.

``I don't worry about having to put on the gear and get behind the plate too much with big Jeff back there,'' said Sharpe, a Moorpark High graduate. ``I would do it though. No problem.''

It's that whatever-it-takes attitude that has made Sharpe a favorite amongst his teammates and endeared himself to the USC coaching staff. It has led to him finding a permanent position at shortstop as a junior.

``We had to go with a musical chairs type of operation for a while just to keep him in the lineup,'' USC coach Mike Gillespie said. ``I don't think we've ever had a shortstop as consistent as he's been. He's established himself as a valuable player for us.''

Sharpe is hitting .292 with 62 hits, third most on the team, 45 runs, good for second best, and 31 RBI. He also has 11 stolen bases, nearly twice that of his next closest teammate.

He's also made just nine errors in 53 games (254 chances) for a .965 fielding percentage.

``Shortstop is a key position on the field,'' Gillespie said. ``If you have a guy who's kicking and throwing the ball around at shortstop you're in trouble. We don't have to worry about that with Blake.

``He has exceptional hands and catches the ball with the best guys in the game, at any level. He's plugged in.''

The potential has been there from the start. He was recruited out of Pierce College to replace shortstop Anthony Lunetta, who is now playing in the Cleveland Indians' organization.

Sharpe proved to be more than capable last year as sophomore. He started every game for the Trojans and finished with a .316 batting average, 28 RBI and a team-high 21 multi-hit games.

``I was nervous when I first came here. I wanted to see if I could hang with Division I players,'' Sharpe said. ``I feel a lot more comfortable now. Getting that first season under my belt helped out.''

Never was that more evident than two weeks ago in a three-game series against Washington State. He finished 9 for 13 with a triple, home run and seven RBI to earn Pac-10 Conference player of the week honors and keep USC in the hunt for the Pac-10 title, where it currently sits in third.

``We wish we had more players like Blake. Like 25 of them,'' USC assistant Andy Prieto said. ``He's a student of the game and absorbs everything we say. He's never satisfied.''

Sharpe and the Trojans close out the regular season at home today at 1 p.m. against Stanford before turning their attention to the postseason.

USC is a likely candidate for the 64-team NCAA Tournament regionals, which begin June 3. USC also has a realistic shot at hosting a regional. ESPN will announce regional sites today and the field of 64 on Monday.

``Everyone's goal is to make it to the College World Series,'' Sharpe said. ``We have the tools to make a run in the playoffs.''

As long as Sharpe brings his bag of tools the Trojans should be fine.

Sharpe plans on returning next year for his senior season, but he could be selected in the Major League Baseball amateur draft on June 7.

``We're selfish and greedy. We want him back playing here for us next season,'' Gillespie said. ``I'm firmly convinced he'll play professional baseball this year or next year. There's no doubt.''

Whether that happens or not remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Sharpe finally has a steady job patrolling the infield for the Trojans.

Sean Ceglinsky, [phone]

sean.ceglinsky(at)dailynews.com