Luke Prokopec

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #5 prospect in 2001
  Prokopec made major strides in his second season in the Double-A Texas League after he was removed from the 40-man roster prior to the season. He ranked second in the circuit with a 2.45 ERA, then received a September promotion to Los Angeles and won his second start. He reaches the low 90s with a fastball that looks better than it may be, thanks to a hard slider that was rated the best breaking ball in the TL last year. His control is the best in the system. He's a warrior with outstanding aggressiveness. After signing as an outfielder, Prokopec didn't begin pitching as a professional until 1997, and his inexperience shows at times. Though not afraid to pitch inside, he needs to continue to work both sides of the plate while improving his changeup. The Dodgers were criticized for promoting Prokopec instead of allowing him to pitch for Australia in the Olympics last fall. That cup of coffee, however, could mean the difference this spring between whether Prokopec earns a job in the Los Angeles rotation or returns to Triple-A.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #6 prospect in 1999
  Background: When the Dodgers signed Prokopec, he was a 16-year-old outfielder. After more than two years of showing little power and little ability to hit for average, he became a pitcher at midseason in 1997. Prokopec finished seventh last year among full-season minor league starters with 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Strengths: For someone who has been pitching full-time for little more than a full season, Prokopec possesses surprisingly polished stuff. His fastball is in the 89-91 mph range and he occasionally hits 93 mph. Prokopec's knuckle curveball shows above-average spin and life, and his changeup is a potentially above-average pitch. Weaknesses: Prokopec is actually an inch or two shorter than his listed height, so his size is a concern. His fastball is straight so he'll have to continue to spot it well to be successful. The Future: A late-season stint at San Antonio proved Prokopec is ready for Double-A. He'll likely start this season in the Missions rotation.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Texas League #8 prospect in 2000
  Prokopec had a dismal 1999 season, going 8-12, 5.42 for San Antonio after a successful three-game cameo there the year before. He bounced back this year and would have been the ace of the Australian Olympic team had the Dodgers not promoted him to the majors in September. Prokopec tops out in the low 90s, and his hard slider was deemed the league’s best breaking pitch. He also has exquisite control, and Los Angeles general manager Kevin Malone praises his aggressive attitude. "He has the tools and the mindset," San Antonio pitching coach Mark Littell said, "and he'll only get better with more experience."

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Prokopec had a dismal 1999 season, going 8-12, 5.42 for San Antonio after a successful three-game cameo there the year before. He bounced back this year and would have been the ace of the Australian Olympic team had the Dodgers not promoted him to the majors in September. Prokopec tops out in the low 90s, and his hard slider was deemed the league’s best breaking pitch. He also has exquisite control, and Los Angeles general manager Kevin Malone praises his aggressive attitude. "He has the tools and the mindset," San Antonio pitching coach Mark Littell said, "and he'll only get better with more experience."