Paulino promoted to Mahoning Valley

The Indians have promoted rookie level Arizona shortstop Dorssys Paulino to short season Single-A Mahoning Valley. The move has not yet been made official by the Indians, but the IPI has learned that he left Arizona yesterday and should join Mahoning Valley this week, likely in Batavia today or tomorrow.

Paulino, 17, is having a breakout season as a prospect and has established himself as one of the Indians best prospects and one of the elite prospects in all of minor league baseball - and arguably may be the Indians' best prospect. In 41 games for Arizona this season he hit .355 with 6 HR, 30 RBI, and 1.015 OPS. He totalled 26 extra base hits in 172 at bats, had 15 walks, 31 strikeouts and stole 9 bases. He is 2nd in the Arizona League in batting (.355), 2nd in hits (61), 3rd in slugging pct. (.610), 3rd in total bases (105), T3rd in runs (42), 4th in extra-base hits (26), T4th in triples (6) and 5th in doubles (14).

The stats are impressive for such a young age, even if the Arizona League is an offensive-oriented league. But in addition to the stats he also has the potential with the bat to be a special hitter and continue to improve as he matures and moves up the minor league ladder. He struggled with his defense as he committed 20 errors out in Arizona, but this is a part of his game he is still learning and has upside and potential to become more consistent as he gains more experience.

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