Where Are They Now: Felipe Paulino

TROY, N.Y.---On September 5, 2007, Felipe Paulino was the next ValleyCat to go from "The Joe to the Show". A product of the Astros Venezuelan Baseball Academy, appeared in 13 games for the ValleyCats during the 2005 season. He went 2-2 with a 3.82 ERA and 34 strikeouts for the 'Cats.

Paulino was originally signed as a shortstop but made the transition to pitcher. In his first professional season, Paulino posted a 1.29 ERA while playing in the Venezuelan Summer League in 2002. Paulino joined the VSL Astros for a second stint in 2002, but only made five appearances before joining Rookie League Martinsville. Paulino spent the entire 2004 season with Rookie League's Greeneville and struggled with a 7.59 ERA. The right-hander rebounded in 2005 while with the ValleyCats and was promoted to Lexington.

Paulino spent the entire 2006 season with the Single A Avalanche where he went 9-7 with a 4.35 ERA. The right-hander won each of his last four starts of the season, posting a 2.08 ERA over that span.

The 2007 season saw Paulino rise from Double A Corpus Christi to the major leagues. After posting a 6-9 record with a 3.62 ERA for Corpus Christi, the pitcher was called up by the Astros in September. Paulino made his debut on September 5, tossing three innings of relief. Later that month, Paulino earned his first major league win in a start against the Cincinnati Reds and finished the year with a 2-1 record in five appearances for the Astros.

Paulino entered the 2008 season rated as the second best prospect in the Astros organization by Baseball America. He was also rated as having the best fastball in the organization, an honor he has held since 2006. After missing much of the season due to injury, Paulino made one appearance for Triple A Round Rock in 2008, tossing two-thirds of an inning.