Paulo Orlando

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Kansas City Royals #29 prospect in 2015
  The Royals were willing to add Orlando, an 11-year pro with no big league experience, to the 40-man roster this offseason after re-signing him to minor league contracts each of the past three seasons to keep him in the organization. A native of Brazil, Orlando's limited exposure to the game helps explain why he's still making strides at age 29. He's an above-average center fielder with a plus arm The long-legged Orlando is a plus runner. He has learned to use the whole field and cut down his swing, aiming for contact and line drives. He's an average hitter with below-average power. Orlando's best fit is as an extra outfielder.
• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #28 prospect in 2007
  Signed out of a tryout camp in Brazil two years ago, Orlando was challenged with a full season assignment last year. He showed remarkable maturity to weather ups and downs as a leadoff hitter and center fielder in low Class A. Orlando's quickness was the first thing that caught scouts' eyes--no surprise, considering he was a sprinter on the Brazilian national team. He's an electric runner but is still learning how to read pitchers and get good jumps. To make the most of his speed, Orlando is going to need a lot more polish at the plate. He struck out nearly eight times for every walk he drew in 2006. He chased low breaking balls and high fastballs, and he seems to get anxious with runners in scoring position. He batted .306 in April, but low Class A pitchers realized they didn't have to throw him strikes, and he hit just .254 afterward. Orlando has a lean body but drives the ball well enough and has enough speed to take the occasional extra base.He's a graceful center fielder with a decent arm. Because he has so much to learn, Orlando almost certainly will return to Kannapolis in 2007.