David Pauley

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #16 prospect in 2006
  When the Red Sox traded playoffs hero Dave Roberts to San Diego in December 2004, they received three players. Jay Payton sulked over playing time and Ramon Vazquez was a disappointment, and Boston dealt both of them by July. That leaves Pauley, who was added to the 40-man roster. He was originally signed by Padres area scout Darryl Milne, who like Pauley has migrated to the Red Sox. Pauley isn't overpowering on the mound, but he's athletic and has three average pitches. He throws his 88-92 mph fastball on a good downward angle. His curveball is consistent and he has good action on his changeup. He has no problem throwing strikes, and he probably throws too many. Pauley has average life on his fastball but doesn't miss a lot of bats. Even when he's ahead in the count, hitters know he's going to be around the zone. If he can change his approach and entice hitters to chase pitches off the plate, Pauley could become a No. 4 or 5 starter. He's ready for Triple-A.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #26 prospect in 2005
  The Padres needed a center fielder who could cover enough ground at Petco Park, so Boston was able to trade them Dave Roberts for three players and $2.65 million in December. Jay Payton and Ramon Vazquez will help the major league bench in 2005, and the Red Sox were also able to add a pitching prospect in Pauley. Darryl Milne, now an area scout for the Sox, signed him out of high school when he worked for the Padres organization. Pauley progressed slowly but surely through the Padres system and has a ceiling as a back-of-the-rotation starter. His best pitch is his curveball-which can rate anywhere from 50 to 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale--but he sometimes throws it too much. His fastball runs from 87-91 mph with decent movement, and his changeup lacks deception. The next step in Pauley's development will take him to Double-A.
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  Ranked San Diego Padres #8 prospect in 2004
  The Padres have been patient with Pauley, keeping him in short-season leagues for his first two years of pro ball. He held his own at low Class A Fort Wayne in 2003, with the only setback a month's stay on the disabled list with tendinitis. He went 4-2, 2.48 after he returned in July. Pauley's best offering is a curveball that can become a plus pitch. His fastball has solid-average velocity, sitting at 88-91 mph and reaching 94, and has good life. Though he's not big, he has a quick arm and throws hard without effort. His changeup is progressing nicely. Pauley has a good feel for pitching but is still learning to use all of his pitches in tandem. He tends to fall in love with his curveball, and he'll have to mix his stuff to keep more advanced hitters off balance. He showed signs of doing that in instructional league. San Diego will keep moving Pauley one step at a time, sending him to high Class A Lake Elsinore this year. He could reach the majors in the second half of 2006.
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  Ranked San Diego Padres #20 prospect in 2003
  Considered Colorado's top draft prospect in 2001, Pauley had a tough time getting acclimated to pro ball after signing. He tied for the Pioneer League lead with nine losses and had a 6.03 ERA. After going through extended spring training, he emerged as a new pitcher last year at short-season Eugene. He was consistent throughout the summer, showing three major league pitches. His fastball sat at 88-90 mph and topped out at 93-94, and he projects to add another 2-3 mph. His curveball and changeup are both solid average pitches. Pauley throws strikes, has a feel for pitching and throws without effort. He just needs a few more seasons of experience and some added strength. He'll move up to low Class A this year.