Who Am I?
David Paulino
RHP
Age: 23
Height: 6′ 7″
Weight: 215
(Dear David: Please mix in a steak every now and then.)
Throws Right, Bats Right
How Did I Get Here?
Paulino was originally signed by Detroit in 2010 as an international free agent. He was later traded to Houston as the PTBNL, along with Danry Vasquez, in exchange for Jose Veras. (Getting a top-3 prospect for 20 innings of relief work has to go down as a pretty darn good deal for Houston.) Paulino was added to the 40-man roster after the 2015 season.
Contract status: Paulino has 2 option years remaining and will not be eligible for arbitration until 2020.
Why Am I Here?
Well, let’s define where “here” is. He’s on the 40-man roster because he’s a fantastic prospect and had to be protected from the Rule 5 draft, where he surely would have been lost. Because he had Tommy John surgery in mid-2013, prior to the trade to Houston, he lost all of his 2014 season – meaning he was not otherwise advanced through the minors. So Paulino is set for another season of seasoning.
What are my strengths?
Paulino is really tall. No, seriously. He’s 6′ 7″. Why is that a strength? Because when you’re that tall and can still throw in the mid-90s, you get a great downward angle on the fastball that results in lots of ground balls.
What are my weaknesses?
Paulino is still a one-trick pony; he has a curve and a change that could both be charitably called works in progress. The development of those pitches will define his future.
What is my future with the Astros?
The fastball is good enough that Paulino could still play a bullpen role if the other pitches never develop. If at least one of them does? You’re looking at a potential mid-rotation starter.
What is my projected 2017 performance?
| W | L | IP | H | HR | BB | SO | ERA | WHIP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (MLB) | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5.14 | 1.29 |
| 2016 (AA & AAA) | 5 | 4 | 98 | 76 | 4 | 20 | 108 | 1.84 | 0.98 |
| PECOTA | 4 | 4 | 72.1 | 75 | 10 | 28 | 63 | 4.40 | 1.42 |
| ZIPS | 88.1 | 87 | 11 | 28 | 80 | 4.18 | 1.30 | ||
| MMWAG | 1 | 1 | 35 | 30 | 2 | 8 | 34 | 4.04 | 1.09 |
Who else would I remind you of?
I see a young Michael Pineda; similar build, similar questions as to how the secondary stuff will play out.