Luke Lockwood

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #21 prospect in 2004
  Lockwood had been on the prospect radar screen for a couple of years, primarily because he was a lefthander who knew how to pitch and projected to add velocity. But in his first taste of Double-A, he struggled for most of the 2003 season before going 5-0, 1.47 in August. Lockwood started pitching better after the Expos remade his arm action. Earlier in the season, he had a long arm arc and batters got a good look at the ball. After he quickened his arm action in back and improved his tempo, he gained better deception. Lockwood pitches with an 85-88 mph fastball, an average changeup and an improving curveball. Unless he comes up with an out pitch, he may be relegated to middle relief. He's dependent on his defense to make plays for him, and he has to figure out a way to combat righthanders, who hit .330 and slugged .507 against him last year.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #13 prospect in 2003
  The Expos have lefthanded pitching depth throughout the system, and Lockwood is one of their most projectable southpaws. He put together a winning record for the first time in 2002, though he had pitched well in the past. Lockwood has a wiry strong body. He's not a flamethrower, but with his clean arm action he should throw harder once he matures more physically. Lockwood does a good job of commanding both sides of the plate with his 86-90 mph fastball, and his curve is becoming impressive. His changeup is an above-average major league pitch. Lockwood needs to continue to add weight and strength. He has difficulty throwing first-pitch strikes and sometimes slows his arm speed on his changeup. Lockwood has pitched a total of 310 innings the last two seasons at a young age, so the Expos will have to be cautious with his workload this year in Double-A.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #9 prospect in 2002
  Lockwood was the organization's most consistent pitcher in 2001 despite a 5-10 record with low Class A Clinton. He led the Midwest League in complete games and placed second in ERA and innings. He was shut down late in the year, not because of injury but because the Expos didn't want to pile any more innings on him. Lockwood has a lean, wiry, strong body with a whip-like arm action. He does an outstanding job of repeating his delivery, throwing first-pitch strikes and mixing his pitches well to keep hitters off balance. Lockwood pitches inside and commands both sides of the plate with his 86-88 mph two-seamer, which has good downward movement. He has a solid 75-77 mph curveball. His changeup is also an above-average major league pitch. Lockwood would rate higher if he threw harder, though he's still young and projectable. He sometimes tips off his changeup by slowing down his arm speed. Lockwood is a few years away from getting serious consideration for a big league spot. He'll head to Jupiter in 2002 to continue his climb.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #10 prospect in 2001
  Lockwood was a standout baseball and football player in high school. He was a two-way star on the diamond, leading his league in homers while dominating on the mound. On the gridiron, he was an all-area quarterback who topped his league in touchdown passes. Lockwood has a lanky athletic frame that projects to get bigger and stronger. His balanced delivery and quick, easy arm action provide the foundation for above-average command. His fastball has good movement and consistently hits 87-90 mph, and he can top out at 91-92 when he needs a little extra. Lockwood also has a nasty curveball with plenty of tilt. His circle changeup is still in the early stages of development because he never had to use it much in high school. With work, it can be a plus pitch. He needs to improve his strength. When Expos officials talk about Lockwood, the first word is always "moxie" or "mature." Those traits are the reason they'll challenge him with a full season in the Florida State League at 19.