• Full name Paul Andrew Kelly
  • Born 10/19/1986 in Carrollton, TX
  • Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Flower Mound
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (54th overall) by the Minnesota Twins in 2005 (signed for $650,000).
    View Draft Report
    Kelly reminds a lot of area scouts of Jesse Crain, who starred as a two-way player at Houston before going to the Twins in the second round of the 2002 draft and rocketing to the majors. Kelly isn't quite as physical as Crain yet, but he has a similar build and the potential to be drafted either as a shortstop or a pitcher. While teams preferred Crain on the mound, Kelly has support in both roles. He's close to a five-tool player at shortstop. He handles the bat well and should hit for average with gap power. He shows good quickness on the bases and in the field. Defensively, he has the actions, range and arm strength to stay at shortstop. If he doesn't cut it as a position player, he could fall back on being a reliever because his stuff is reminiscent of Crain's. After pitching at 88-91 mph in the past, Kelly has jumped to 94-95 this spring while showing a slider that can be a plus pitch at times. Kelly entered the year with a relatively low profile, in part because a blood clot in his shoulder sidelined him last summer. Some teams may not clear him medically, but there's enough interest for him to go in the second round.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Minnesota Twins in 2007
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Minnesota Twins in 2006

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