Drafted in the 28th round (834th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2004.
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The Expos drafted Lugo last June with the expectation that he would go to junior college and possibly sign as a draft-and-follow if he pitched well in 2005. But when scouting director Dana Brown went home to New Jersey for a postdraft breather, area scout Larry Izzo persuaded him to come watch Lugo pitch firsthand. Brown was so impressed that he decided to sign Lugo rather than risk losing him. Though he was just 17 at the time, Lugo already had a smooth delivery, compact arm action and advanced command. His primary pitches are an 88-91 mph fastball and a promising curveball, and he's also dabbling with a slider and a changeup. As a high school pitcher from the Northeast, Lugo needs innings and is a long-term project. But he's got a lot of potential and the organization is pleased with his initial success. He figures to spend 2005 at short-season Vermont.
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