Lueke had a career 1.01 ERA for SCC and won 14 games with 141 K's in 134 innings in two seasons at St. Catharine (2005-2006).

The current season for Lueke has been termed a "big-time breakout" by Jason Cole of scout.com. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound 25 year old started the year in single-A Hickory where he had a 0.46 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 19.2 innings pitched. After going to AA with Frisco in the Texas League, Lueke compiled a 3.86 ERA while fanning 26 in 18.2 innings.

Lueke's fastball has been clocked regularly in the 93-96 mph range but this year has reached the upper 90's at times. A harder slider developed this season (84-85mph) is one reason for Lueke's effectiveness according to Cole who says, "He has the stuff to pitch in a big league bullpen, without a doubt."

Mariners' hurler Cliff Lee, considered one of the top pitchers in the game, was dealt to the Rangers in exchange for four players. In addition to Lueke the Mariners got Justin Smoak, a top prospect for the Rangers who was playing first base for the major league club. Also sent to the Mariners from the Rangers were pitcher Blake Bleavan, Texas' No. 1 draft pick in 2007 who was playing at Frisco, and minor league second baseman Matthew Lawson.

Lueke will be in the Mariners' system in Jackson, Tennessee where he will pitch for the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx in the AA Southern league.