Former Ports A.J. Puk and Jesus Luzardo highlight prospects list

Two former Stockton Ports are catching the attention of preseason top prospect lists.
Left-handed pitchers A.J. Puk (2017) and Jesus Luzardo (2018) were rated by MLB.com's Jim Callis as having the best slider and changeup among the Top 100 MLB prospects.
Both pitchers received a cup of coffee in the major leagues last season, and will be expected to fill pivotal roles for Oakland in the 2020 season. Luzardo enters the season ranked as the No. 12 overall prospect in the game, with Puk slotted at No. 60.
Callis highlighted Luzardo's changeup for its 'fade and sink that plays perfectly off his well above-average fastball.' In limited time at the big league level, Luzardo dominated big league hitters with his changeup holding them to a 5-for-35 batting line while racking up 13 strikeouts.
Puk on the other hand uses his power slider to carve up hitters from both sides of the plate. Callis noted that Puk's slider 'averaged 90 mph in the big leages with vicious lateral break.' 
Ports fans will remember both pitchers taking the mound at Banner Island Ballpark and stymying Cal League hitters. Luzardo posted a 1.09 ERA in 24.2 innings for Stockton, while Puk went 4-5 with a 3.69 ERA in 2017 for the Ports in 11 starts.
The Athletics feature three total Top 100 prospects including Puk and Luzardo, according to Callis. Catcher Sean Murphy (2017) is ranked at No. 33 on the list and is expected to compete to be the Opening Day catcher for Oakland.
The Ports begin play on April 17 against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at Banner Island Ballpark. Season tickets and mini-plans are available for purchase online at www.stocktonports.com, or on the phone at 209-644-1900.