Depends on what you sand it with!
Fine sanding, like 1200 - 2000 grit, will usually smooth out a pearl's reaction, as most pearls are the equivalent of 1500 grit polished. 1200/1500 will make it grab the lane earlier (not real early) and, as a result, have less backend than the polished version, but the rougher the finish, the earlier the move by the ball.
If you drop down to 600-1000 grit, the earliness of the ball's grab of the lane will be easily discernible and will probably convert it into another type or level of ball.
It's all a matter of finesse. If you decide to do it, do it in the smallest steps possible to check the reaction.
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"We get old too fast, and too late, smart."