Brenny Paulino

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #21 prospect in 2013
  Signed for $100,000 in 2009, Paulino pitched well in his U.S. debut in 2011 and claimed the No. 6 spot on this list a year ago. But he missed the entire 2012 season with arm problems and had minor shoulder surgery in June. When he's healthy, Paulino flashes tantalizing upside with his tall, projectable frame and quick, loose arm. His fastball operated at 92-95 mph in 2011, peaked at 97 and held its velocity deep into outings. His fastball showed good life and he could throw it by hitters up in the zone. His other pitches weren't nearly as impressive, as his curveball was inconsistent and his changeup was below-average. Paulino's long arms allow him to pitch with a steep downhill plane. He showed better body control in 2011, but his command still needed work. The Tigers are going to take it slow with Paulino and ease him back in 2013, so he may begin in extended spring training before heading to Connecticut in June. If he regains the stuff he had before he got hurt, he has the potential to be a mid-rotation starter.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #6 prospect in 2012
  When Paulino was an amateur in the Dominican Republic, he had a mid-to-high 80s fastball and had trouble finding the strike zone. The Tigers saw a tall, skinny righthander with an extremely loose arm and the chance to add considerable velocity, so they signed him for $100,000. His velocity has soared since then, and he emerged as one of the top pitching prospects in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2011. Paulino has grown taller and gained weight since signing, helping him add roughly 10 mph to his fastball. After touching 95 mph in his 2010 pro debut, he sat at 92-95 mph last year and peaked at 97 while holding his velocity deep into outings. Because his frame has more room to add strength, some scouts believe he could throw even harder in the future. His four-seam fastball has good life, generating swings and misses when he throws it in the strike zone. Paulino's curveball has made strides but is still inconsistent, and his changeup is still below average. His control improved markedly in 2011, though it still has a ways to go and he's prone to bouts of wildness. His long arms help him get angle and leverage from his three-quarters arm slot. Paulino has the frame and arm speed to become a starter with a power arsenal. He'll need to refine his secondary pitches and control to reach his ceiling. Years away from the majors, he'll make the jump to low Class A in 2012.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida Complex League #4 prospect in 2011
  The Tigers signed Paulino for $100,000 in 2009 with the hope that he'd fill out his long, lanky frame and add to his 85-88 mph fastball. He started doing that last year, touching 95 but also walking nearly a batter per inning in the DSL. In 2011, he showed better control, more velocity and an improved breaking ball to become one of the GCL's most dominant arms. Paulino can carry a 92-95 mph fastball throughout a game, peaking at 97. His heater is an overpowering four-seamer with enough movement to generate swings and misses in the strike zone. With a frame that still has room to project, he could add even more power to his fastball eventually. Paulino's fastball is his best pitch but his curveball has made strides, showing good downward break at times. His changeup is still his No. 3 pitch, though it too has its moments. While his control has improved, he still needs to be around the plate more.

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: As a Dominican amateur, Paulino had an 84-86 mph fastball and trouble finding the strike zone. The Tigers saw a tall, skinny righthander with an extremely loose arm and the chance to add considerable velocity, so they signed him for $100,000. He emerged as one of the top pitching prospects in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2011. Scouting Report: Paulino has grown taller and gained weight since signing, helping him add roughly 10 mph. He sat at 92-95 mph last year and peaked at 97 while holding his velocity deep into outings. Because his frame has more room to add strength, some scouts believe he could throw even harder in the future. His four-seamer has good life, generating swings and misses when he throws it in the strike zone. Paulino's curveball has made strides but is still inconsistent, and his changeup is still below average. His control improved markedly in 2011, though it still has a ways to go and he's prone to bouts of wildness. His long arms help him get angle and leverage. The Future: Paulino has the frame and arm speed to become a starter with a power arsenal. He'll need to refine his secondary pitches and control to reach his ceiling. Years away from the majors, he'll make the jump to low Class A in 2012.