Jose Lugo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #26 prospect in 2009
  The Royals selected Lugo with the ninth pick the major league Rule 5 draft in December and then traded him to the Mariners for cash considerations. The lanky lefthander was no stranger to the Rule 5 process. Signed by the Athletics in January 2002, Lugo joined the Twins in 2005 as a Triple-A Rule 5 pick. As with most pitchers taken in the Rule 5 process, he has a terrific arm and very little pitchability. He has pitched mostly in relief since progressing to full-season ball in 2006, his fifth pro season, and can go on extended runs of dominance. One came last July, when he struck out 16 and walked six while allowing one run in 17 relief innings in high Class A. A strong groundball pitcher, Lugo sits in the low 90s with incredible sink while touching 94-95 mph at times. His secondary pitches are much further away, as his changeup is average at best and his slider is fringy. He's too often sabotaged by lapses in command, and he has shown little aptitude for setting up hitters or in identifying the right pitch for the situation. The Mariners must keep Lugo on their 25-man roster all season or place him on waivers before offering him back to the Twins for half his $50,000 purchase price. They face the same situation with infielder Reegie Corona, taken from the Yankees with the second choice in the 2008 Rule 5 draft. Seattle's offseason trade of J.J. Putz and Sean Green to the Mets opens the door a bit wider for Lugo, who will be 25 this season.