Locante shows off 'electric stuff' in D-backs camp

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- D-backs left-hander Will Locante could not help but notice the difference between throwing a bullpen session in Major League camp as opposed to over on the Minor League side.

The 25-year-old threw a bullpen Saturday afternoon, his first since camp officially opened, but his fourth since arriving in Arizona earlier in the month.

"In Minor League camp, there's no one watching but the coach," Locante said. "You come over here and there's fans, there's front-office people, everyone is watching so you just have to focus more and not let it get to you. Once you let a couple go, then it's the same game; home plate is still 60 feet, 6 inches away."

D-backs manager Chip Hale only caught the tail end of Locante's session Saturday, but he had seen the ones he threw prior to camp opening, and pitching consultant Dave Duncan told Hale that he was impressed with how Locante looked.

"He has electric stuff," Hale said. "He's got a great arm."

Selected in the 11th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, Locante improved his command last year, and in his second straight year with Class A South Bend, he went 3-0 with a 1.53 ERA in 43 relief appearances.