Dorssys Paulino

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #29 prospect in 2016
  The Indians signed Paulino, the son of former major league lefthander Jesus Sanchez, for $1.1 million in 2011, making him the centerpiece of their international class. He made a splash the next year in the Rookie-level Arizona League during his U.S. debut, but stumbled as he advanced to full-season ball and spent most of the next three seasons at low Class A Lake County. Paulino began to turn things around in 2015 and hit much better following a promotion to high Class A Lynchburg. He has the raw tools to be an offensive force. He has quick hands, a compact swing and some power in his lithe frame. Though Paulino signed as a shortstop, scouts long believed he would need to move off the position, and the Indians moved him to left field in 2014. He's still learning the position, but his average speed and arm strength should make him a capable defender. Paulino always has been young for his level and will play all of the 2016 season at age 21. He will return to Lynchburg as he looks to build on his success.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #26 prospect in 2015
  The Indians expected Paulino to be the centerpiece of their 2011 international class after he signed for $1.1 million. Scouts had forecasted that Paulino would have to move off shortstop since his amateur days, and the Indians pulled the plug on him in May 2014, shifting him to left field with Lake County after he'd made 13 errors in 24 games. His defensive struggles had started bleeding over to his offense, and the position switch did seem to free up his approach. The Indians still like his bat. Paulino has a compact swing and a natural feel for timing, allowing him to handle plus stuff. He could grow into average power but he hits more to the gaps now, which hurts his profile if he stays in the outfield. The club envisions him handling any of the three outfield positions, though the fact Paulino's speed is just average will likely keep him on a corner. Paulino has age on his side as he heads to high Class A Lynchburg in 2015.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #6 prospect in 2014
  One of the most sought-after bats on the 2011 international market, Paulino landed with the Indians for $1.1 million. He was among the youngest players in the low Class A Midwest League in 2013 at age 18 and struggled to adjust to the cold weather early in the season. His numbers fell into a hole, though he did recover to hit .281 in August. Despite Paulino's down year, the Indians remain excited about his upside. He has strong hands and can whip the bat through the zone. His hands are quick enough that he can let balls travel deep and smash line drives to all fields. He has some raw power though it's mainly to the gaps. When he's going well, Paulino does a good job of staying inside the ball, but last season he pressed too much to get out of his funk and got over-aggressive. He's a solid runner underway, but he lacks a quick first step. Paulino probably will face a move to second base at some point, though the Indians will keep him at shortstop for the time being. His arm is playable there but his range is fringy. He made 39 errors in 2013, the most among MWL shortstops, as he struggled with his footwork and internal clock. Even if Paulino does have to move over to second base, he has the tools to be an offensive asset. He still has to conquer the MWL though, and he'll go back to Lake County to open 2014.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #2 prospect in 2013
  The son of former big league lefthander Jesus Sanchez, Paulino drew plenty of attention as an amateur in the Dominican Republic for his bat. Signed for $1.1 million, he starred in his 2012 pro debut, ranking second in the Rookie-level Arizona League in batting (.355) and third in OPS (1.014) despite being one of the league's youngest players at 17. Paulino has quick hands and a short, simple swing that stays in the hitting zone a long time, giving him excellent plate coverage. His approach is mature for his age. He can get the barrel out front against good fastballs and recognizes spin, doesn't chase much out of the strike zone and uses the whole field. While international scouts pegged Paulino with average power, he showed surprising pop in his debut, so he might end up with more. He's an above-average runner and the Indians would like him to stay at shortstop, though scouts outside the organization think he's a better fit at second or third base. He has a strong arm but made 25 errors in 46 games at short. One of the most exciting hitters to sign with the Indians in years, Paulino should move quickly and will open 2013 in low Class A.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #31 prospect in 2012
  The Indians made Paulino their top target on the international market in 2011, signing him for $1.1 million when the international signing period opened on July 2. He's the son of Jesus Sanchez, who pitched seven seasons in the big leagues. Paulino likely will move off shortstop but had one of the better bats among Dominican infielders on the 2011 market. He has good bat speed, his hands work well at the plate and he's a quality hitter who can use the whole field. He's strong and projects to have average power, becoming more of a doubles hitter than a consistent home run threat. Paulino runs well and has a good arm, but his range and body type figure to make him a better fit at second or third base. He went to instructional league last fall and will begin his career in Rookie ball, either in the Dominican Summer League or the Arizona League.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Arizona Complex League #5 prospect in 2012
  The Indians were aggressive in assigning Paulino to the AZL for his first pro season after signing him for $1.1 million bonus in 2011. He was anything but overmatched, ranking second in batting (.355) and third in OPS (.610) while providing 26 extra-base hits in 41 games. Paulino brings a mature, disciplined approach to the plate. His quick hands, bat speed and exceptional hand-eye coordination allow him to use a short stroke that should allow him to hit for both average and power. "His swing is so natural, you don't need to mess with it so much," Indians manager Anthony Medrano said. Some observers believe Paulino doesn't have the tools to stay at shortstop, and he may grow out of the position anyway. He makes the routine plays and has a decent first step, but he needs to improve his range and accuracy on his throws. He's a good baserunner with surprising quickness on the bases.

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: The son of former big league lefthander Jesus Sanchez, Paulino drew plenty of attention as an amateur in the Dominican Republic for his bat. Signed for $1.1 million, he starred in his 2012 pro debut, ranking second in the Rookie-level Arizona League in batting (.355) and third in OPS (1.014) despite being one of the league's youngest players at 17. Scouting Report: Paulino has quick hands and a short, simple swing that stays in the hitting zone a long time, giving him excellent plate coverage. He can get the barrel out front against good fastballs and recognizes spin, doesn't chase much out of the strike zone and uses the whole field. While international scouts pegged Paulino with average power, he showed surprising pop in his debut, so he might end up with more. He's an above-average runner and the Indians would like him to stay at shortstop, though scouts outside the organization think he's a better fit at second or third base. He has a strong arm but made 25 errors in 46 games at short. The Future: One of the most exciting hitters to sign with the Indians in years, Paulino should move quickly and will open 2013 in low Class A. The presence of Francisco Lindor eventually will push him to another position.