2011 Draftees and Status

[OregonStrosFan]

Draftee information has been compiled from MLB.com. Please let me know if anything is incorrect, I've missed a nickname, etc.  And as always, please feel free to includes signing updates, rumors, etc. in this thread.  The more info the better!

Draftee Springer, George Houser, Adrian Armstrong, Jack Lee, Christopher Trapeano, Nick Meredith, Brandon Reynolds, Javaris Culbreth, Brandon Dufek, Jonas Hallock, Kyle Gominsky, Justin Hamblin, Miles Hinson, John Stubblefield, “Gandy” Johnson, Zac Zuloaga, Scott Perez, Tyson Miller, Kevin Lambson, Mitchell Duffy, Matthew Howick, James Muren, Andrew Sosa, Ruben Wierzbicki, Jesse Flamion, Billy Fisher, Jared Todd, Alex John, Jordan Gonzalez, Wallace Steranka, Jordan McKinney, Jarrod Dando, Zachary Taylor, Dominique Kellog, Dustin Morales, Christopher   Gonzalez, Kevin Martin, Steven Propst, James Haerle, David Lamothe, Buddy Davidson, Chase Granger, Hoke Grimes, David Ford, Blake Epps, Christopher Shults, Justin Hardoin, Zachary Murray, Andrew Peterson, David Davis, Colton

Rd/Pick (1) 11 (2) 69 (3) 99 (4) 130 (5) 160 (6) 190 (7) 220 (8) 250 (9) 280 (10) 310 (11) 340 (12) 370 (13) 400 (14) 430 (15) 460 (16) 490 (17) 520 (18) 550 (19) 580 (20) 610 (21) 640 (22) 670 (23) 700 (24) 730 (25) 760 (26) 790 (27) 820 (28) 850 (29) 880 (30) 910 (31) 940 (32) 970 (33) 1000 (34) 1030 (35) 1060 (36) 1090   (37) 1120 (38) 1150 (39) 1180 (40) 1210 (41) 1240 (42) 1270 (43) 1300 (44) 1330 (45) 1360 (46) 1390 (47) 1420 (48) 1450 (49) 1480 (50) 1510

Signed  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

POS OF RHP RHP LHP RHP LF CF RHP RHP LHP CF C 2B RHP 1B LHP RHP RHP LHP 3B SS CF 2B 1B LF RHP SS LHP RF 3B RF RHP CF RHP   RHP C RHP RHP RHP RHP 1B CF OF RHP OF 1B LHP C RHP CF

School UConn Locust Grove HS, OK Vanderbilt Santa Fe CC SUNY Stony Brook San Diego State King HS, FL Forsyth County Day School, NC     Creighton Kent State Minnesota U Mississippi Clemson Lufkin HS, TX Oklahoma State Scottsdale CC Fresno CC UC Berkley Arizona State Tennessee Jacksonville U Cal State - Northridge Oklahoma City U UNC Chapel Hill Central Catholic HS, CA Newport HS, WA Sonoma State U Oklahoma Bishop Amat HS, CA Penn State Arkansas Central Arizona College Salt Lake CC Caney Creek HS, TX Clear Creek HS, TX Texas A&M Texas A&M Oklahoma State Col of the Canyons, CA San Jacinto College North Georgia Northside Methodist Academy, AL   Upton Lakes Christian School, NY   Lamar University Clemson UC Riverside U Missouri Columbia Westfield HS, NJ College of Charleston Lake Wales HS, FL

Class JR HS JR J1 JR JR HS HS   SR SR JR SR SR HS JR J2 J2 SR JR SR JR SR JR SR HS HS SR SO HS JR JR J2 J1 HS HS SR SR SR J1 J2 JR HS HS 5S SR SR SR HS JR HS

B/T R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R L/R L/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/R S/R R/R L/L L/R R/R R/L R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R R/R S/R L/R L/R L/R L/L R/R R/R R/R

Ht/Wt 6’03”- 205   6’04”- 205 6’07”- 230 6’03”- 175 6’04”- 205 6’02”-225 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 200 6’05”- 215 6’02”-185 6’04”- 185 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 190 5’11”- 200 6’03”- 205 6’03”- 215 6’00”- 195 6’01”- 195 6’03”- 215 6’02”- 185 6’06”- 195 5’07”- 170 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 195 6’04”- 235 6’02”- 190 6’03”- 200 6’05”- 230 6’03”- 195 5’11”- 205 6’03”- 175 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 185 6’05”- 205 5’10”-190 6’06”- 225 6’01”- 180 6’02”- 195 6’03”- 225 6’05”- 225 6’02”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 215 6’00”- 190 6’03”- 205 5’10”- 190 6’02”- 215 6’05”- 205 6’03”- 190

DOB 09/19/89 02/02/93 12/14/89 08/17/92 08/27/90 12/19/89 01/24/93 07/27/92 06/30/88 08/06/88 08/26/89 10/22/88 09/13/88 07/23/92 06/06/88 09/20/89 12/27/89 08/25/89 07/20/90 02/06/89 08/26/90 11/22/88 09/23/90 11/24/88 01/19/93 09/01/92 08/15/89 07/05/90 02/11/93 11/14/89 10/14/89 01/04/91 08/11/92 02/16/93 07/22/93 11/06/87 11/16/87 03/18/89 03/16/92 10/11/90 01/14/90 05/31/92 02/13/93 05/16/88 12/10/88 12/02/87 07/11/88 04/04/93 01/04/90 08/27/92

[OregonStrosFan]

Per Footer (via Twitter):

Astros signed 4th round draft pick LHP Chris Lee and 13th rounder 2b John Hinson.

[chuckd]

Out of 50 players only 5 are under 6' tall

[JimR]

damn. we have not signed anyone yet. fire Wade!

[austro]

damn. we have not signed anyone yet. fire Wade!

Crane probably told him not to go over slot. Cheapskate!

[OregonStrosFan]

damn. we have not signed anyone yet. fire Wade!

Alas, we [me] have not updated the list yet, fire OSF!

And with that said, from Examiner.com's Stephen Goff (via Twittter):

44th-round pick Blake Ford, RHP, Lamar, just told me that he's going to sign with the Houston Astros tonight prior to Cards game.

This is in addition to the signings of their 4th and 13th round picks!

[OregonStrosFan]

More from Goff on 44th rd pick Blake Ford (via Twitter):

Blake Ford was helping out at a Little League camp in Lufkin today when he found out the Astros had drafted him. Ford also said he had bought tickets to tonight's game, long before the Draft process, and when he told the Astros he would be there, they told him if he wanted to sign tonight, "Let's get it done."

[Duman]

Found this on Hoke Granger (42nd round) - notice the date - this is from 5/19/11:

They (Houston Astros) said they would probably take me, but I would like to get some of that college experience before stepping into that level. I would like to mature more as a baseball player. Going from high school to pros and thrown in June 15 into rookie ball is such a huge step. I know it will be in my best interest to get more experience under my belt before I make that decision. Unless it is lot more than I think they will take me for (financially), I will probably go to college. I am excited about that. I would prefer that.

[OregonStrosFan]

From Campbell (via Twitter):

Astros have signed RHP Nick Tropiano (5th round), CF Andrew Muren (22), 1B Chase Davidson (41), RHP Blake Ford (44), OF Chris Epps (45).

Wonder how much it cost Davidson not to have signed with the Astros out of high school as a 3rd round pick...

[OregonStrosFan]

A couple of non-drafted FA's signed as well:

Astros County (via Twitter): Astros sign undrafted free agent out of Kent State, reliever Justin Gill http://www.astroscounty.com/2011/06/astros-to-sign-justin-gill.html

Campbell (via Twitter): Astros scouting director Bobby Heck signed U of Arizona C Jacob Meskin as a non-drafted free agent.

Also, looks like a good bet that 6th round pick Brandon Meredith with sign in the near furture.

Meredith (via Twitter): First meeting with the Astros last night went well... I should be getting a deal done early next week then off to the Tri City Valley Cats..

As I noted previously, Meredith is already in the running for my favorite 2011 draftee. The following comment certainly started his tenure with the Astros in a good light, or at least it did in my eyes...

Meredith (via Twitter): It's funny how as soon as you get drafted you feel apart of a team almost immediately... I'm an Astro and it feels damn good!!

As did this comment from Meredith (via Twitter): Thank all of you who have welcomed me to the Astro family... It feels good to be apart of the organization.. I will keep u all updated!!!

[MusicMan]

damn. we have not signed anyone yet. fire Wade!

Crane is even cheaper than Drayton!

[OregonStrosFan]

As of 3:30 CST on 06/09/2011, the Astros have signed 7 of their 50 draft picks, and 2 non-drafted free agents.  Most notable of the signings include 4th rd pick Chris Lee (LHP), 5th rd pick Nick Trapeano (RHP), and 41st rd pick Chase Davidson (who you will remember was the Astros 3rd rd pick in 2008, but did not sign).

Here is the current signing status of the draftees, as well as the names of signed non-drafted free agents (NDFA).

Draftee Springer, George Houser, Adrian Armstrong, Jack Lee, Chris Trapeano, Nick Meredith, Brandon Reynolds, Javaris Culbreth, Brandon Dufek, Jonas Hallock, Kyle Gominsky, Justin Hamblin, Miles Hinson, John Stubblefield, “Gandy” Johnson, Zac Zuloaga, Scott Perez, Tyson Miller, Kevin Lambson, Mitchell Duffy, Matthew Howick, James Muren, Andrew Sosa, Ruben Wierzbicki, Jesse Flamion, Billy Fisher, Jared Todd, Alex John, Jordan Gonzalez, Wallace Steranka, Jordan McKinney, Jarrod Dando, Zachary Taylor, Dominique Kellog, Dustin Morales, Christopher    Gonzalez, Kevin Martin, Steven Propst, James Haerle, David Lamothe, Buddy Davidson, Chase Granger, Hoke Grimes, David Ford, Blake Epps, Christopher Shults, Justin Hardoin, Zachary Murray, Andrew Peterson, David Davis, Colton Undrafted FA signings Gill, Justin Meskin, Jacob

Rd/Pick (1) 11 (2) 69 (3) 99 (4) 130 (5) 160 (6) 190 (7) 220 (8) 250 (9) 280 (10) 310 (11) 340 (12) 370 (13) 400 (14) 430 (15) 460 (16) 490 (17) 520 (18) 550 (19) 580 (20) 610 (21) 640 (22) 670 (23) 700 (24) 730 (25) 760 (26) 790 (27) 820 (28) 850 (29) 880 (30) 910 (31) 940 (32) 970 (33) 1000 (34) 1030 (35) 1060 (36) 1090  (37) 1120 (38) 1150 (39) 1180 (40) 1210 (41) 1240 (42) 1270 (43) 1300 (44) 1330 (45) 1360 (46) 1390 (47) 1420 (48) 1450 (49) 1480 (50) 1510 UDFA UDFA

Signed  - - - Yes Yes - - - - - - - Yes - - - - - - - - Yes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Yes - - Yes Yes - - - - - Yes Yes

POS OF RHP RHP LHP RHP LF CF RHP RHP LHP CF C 2B RHP 1B LHP RHP RHP LHP 3B SS CF 2B 1B LF RHP SS LHP RF 3B RF RHP CF RHP  RHP C RHP RHP RHP RHP 1B CF OF RHP OF 1B LHP C RHP CF RHP C

School UConn Locust Grove HS, OK Vanderbilt Santa Fe CC SUNY Stony Brook San Diego State King HS, FL Forsyth County Day School, NC    Creighton Kent State Minnesota U Mississippi Clemson Lufkin HS, TX Oklahoma State Scottsdale CC Fresno CC UC Berkley Arizona State Tennessee Jacksonville U Cal State - Northridge Oklahoma City U UNC Chapel Hill Central Catholic HS, CA Newport HS, WA Sonoma State U Oklahoma Bishop Amat HS, CA Penn State Arkansas Central Arizona College Salt Lake CC Caney Creek HS, TX Clear Creek HS, TX Texas A&M Texas A&M Oklahoma State Col of the Canyons, CA San Jacinto College North Georgia Northside Methodist Academy, AL    Upton Lakes Christian School, NY    Lamar University Clemson UC Riverside U Missouri Columbia Westfield HS, NJ College of Charleston Lake Wales HS, FL Kent State Arizona

Class JR HS JR J1 JR JR HS HS  SR SR JR SR SR HS JR J2 J2 SR JR SR JR SR JR SR HS HS SR SO HS JR JR J2 J1 HS HS SR SR SR J1 J2 JR HS HS 5S SR SR SR HS JR HS SR SR

B/T R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R L/R L/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/R S/R R/R L/L L/R R/R R/L R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R R/R S/R L/R L/R L/R L/L R/R R/R R/R

Ht/Wt 6’03”- 205  6’04”- 205 6’07”- 230 6’03”- 175 6’04”- 205 6’02”-225 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 200 6’05”- 215 6’02”-185 6’04”- 185 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 190 5’11”- 200 6’03”- 205 6’03”- 215 6’00”- 195 6’01”- 195 6’03”- 215 6’02”- 185 6’06”- 195 5’07”- 170 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 195 6’04”- 235 6’02”- 190 6’03”- 200 6’05”- 230 6’03”- 195 5’11”- 205 6’03”- 175 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 185 6’05”- 205 5’10”-190 6’06”- 225 6’01”- 180 6’02”- 195 6’03”- 225 6’05”- 225 6’02”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 215 6’00”- 190 6’03”- 205 5’10”- 190 6’02”- 215 6’05”- 205 6’03”- 190

DOB 09/19/89 02/02/93 12/14/89 08/17/92 08/27/90 12/19/89 01/24/93 07/27/92 06/30/88 08/06/88 08/26/89 10/22/88 09/13/88 07/23/92 06/06/88 09/20/89 12/27/89 08/25/89 07/20/90 02/06/89 08/26/90 11/22/88 09/23/90 11/24/88 01/19/93 09/01/92 08/15/89 07/05/90 02/11/93 11/14/89 10/14/89 01/04/91 08/11/92 02/16/93 07/22/93 11/06/87 11/16/87 03/18/89 03/16/92 10/11/90 01/14/90 05/31/92 02/13/93 05/16/88 12/10/88 12/02/87 07/11/88 04/04/93 01/04/90 08/27/92

[OregonStrosFan]

Astros have signed NDFA LHP Paris Shewey, SR from Washington State. (H/T Astros County)

[Jacksonian]

Culbreth may sign today.  95 on the gun and picked in the 8th round with no signability issues?

[Jacksonian]

33rd rounder Taylor unlikely to sign.

[Reuben]

Culbreth may sign today.  95 on the gun and picked in the 8th round with no signability issues?

"Last year, he didn't even pitch the last month of the season because he couldn't get it done," Partin said. "That's proof of a guy who spends a whole year in the weight room, working on his mechanics and buying into what coaches tell him to do. And he just blew up.

"Last year he was at 86 (miles an hour) and this year, he hit 95. That tells you that you have to commit to the weight room. This guy, he gets drafted Tuesday, and is in the weight room Tuesday and Wednesday.

"That tells you a lot. I couldn't be happier for him."

He's from my neck of the woods, too, so I'll be pulling for him that much more.

[astrosfan76]

Busy day for the club, signing draftees (McTaggart tweets):

Culbreth (8), Hallock (10), Gominsky (11), Hamblan (12), Duffy (20), Todd (27), McKinney (31), Dando (32), Epps (45), Shults and (46)

They also signed NDFA's Joseph Witkowski (C-St. John's) and Justin Gill (RHP Kent State)

[OregonStrosFan]

2nd round pick Houser has signed as well. McTaggart blog LINK

[OregonStrosFan]

Updates from McTaggart (via Twitter):

Link 1: They've signed the following rounds: 2,4,5,8,10,11-13,17,20,22,2,31,32,41,44-46

Link 2: The Astros have signed LHP Steve Dennison, the son of Texans off. coordinator Rick Dennison, as a non-drafted free agent. Wheaton College

[BudGirl]

How are they doing compared to other teams?

[chuck]

How are they doing compared to other teams?

Not that great. In fact, they have the worst winning percentage in Major League Baseball.

[BudGirl]

Not that great. In fact, they have the worst winning percentage in Major League Baseball.

they suck at signing draft picks too?

[Uncle Charlie]

Updates from McTaggart (via Twitter):

Link 1: They've signed the following rounds: 2,4,5,8,10,11-13,17,20,22,2,31,32,41,44-46
[/i]

Must have like houser so much they signed him twice.

[Duman]

7th round Javaris Reynolds signed and headed to GCL

According to another source, his signing bonus is between 110K & 150K

[chuck]

More from Goff on 44th rd pick Blake Ford (via Twitter):

Blake Ford was helping out at a Little League camp in Lufkin today when he found out the Astros had drafted him. Ford also said he had bought tickets to tonight's game, long before the Draft process, and when he told the Astros he would be there, they told him if he wanted to sign tonight, "Let's get it done."

By the way, how much fun would this be? I mean, you're a relatively unheralded guy who may or may not be drafted and suddenly you find yourself drafted by what amounts to your hometown team. You're going to the game as a fan with tickets that you have bought yourself and you end up signed as a player in the organization. That seems pretty damn cool.

[Ron Brand]

By the way, how much fun would this be? I mean, you're a relatively unheralded guy who may or may not be drafted and suddenly you find yourself drafted by what amounts to your hometown team. You're going to the game as a fan with tickets that you have bought yourself and you end up signed as a player in the organization. That seems pretty damn cool.

There's a Disney movie in there somewhere.

[Reuben]

By the way, how much fun would this be? I mean, you're a relatively unheralded guy who may or may not be drafted and suddenly you find yourself drafted by what amounts to your hometown team. You're going to the game as a fan with tickets that you have bought yourself and you end up signed as a player in the organization. That seems pretty damn cool.

Hell, back in the day, you could buy a ticket, show up at the ballpark, and end up playing in the game that day. I mean, back in like the 1870's-kinda back in the day.

I wonder if Ford got his tickets upgraded after he signed, or at least got a free hot dog or something.

[OregonStrosFan]

More signings today per Stephen Goff (via Twitter):

Link 1: Astros sign 7 more Draft picks today: OF Brandon Meredith (6th round), OF Jarvis Reynolds (7th), LHP Scott Zuloaga (16th)

Link 2: SS James Howick (21st), 2B Ruben Sosa (23rd), RHP James Propst (38th) and LHP James Hardoin (47th). They've now signed 25 of their 50 picks.

Link 3: Astros also announce the signing of two non-drafted FAs today: LHP Steven Dennison (Wheaton College) and LHP Paris Shewey (Washington St.).

Link 4: In addition to the 25 signed Draft picks, the Astros have now signed five non-drafted free agents.

I'll update the chart here shortly!

[OregonStrosFan]

As of today, the Astros have signed 25 of their 50 draft pick, in addition to 5 non-drafted free agents. This includes 10 of the team's first 13 picks. [Round 1 pick Springer and Round 3 pick Armstrong are currently unable to sign, and won't be able to do so until their teams are eliminated from tournament play].

Draftee Springer, George Houser, Adrian Armstrong, Jack Lee, Chris Trapeano, Nick Meredith, Brandon Reynolds, Javaris Culbreth, Brandon Dufek, Jonas Hallock, Kyle Gominsky, Justin Hamblin, Miles Hinson, John Stubblefield, “Gandy” Johnson, Zac Zuloaga, Scott Perez, Tyson Miller, Kevin Lambson, Mitchell Duffy, Matthew Howick, James Muren, Andrew Sosa, Ruben Wierzbicki, Jesse Flamion, Billy Fisher, Jared Todd, Alex John, Jordan Gonzalez, Wallace Steranka, Jordan McKinney, Jarrod Dando, Zachary Taylor, Dominique Kellog, Dustin Morales, Christopher    Gonzalez, Kevin Martin, Steven Propst, James Haerle, David Lamothe, Buddy Davidson, Chase Granger, Hoke Grimes, David Ford, Blake Epps, Christopher Shults, Justin Hardoin, Zachary Murray, Andrew Peterson, David Davis, Colton Non-drafted FA signings Gill, Justin Meskin, Jacob Witowski, Joseph Dennison, Steven Shewey, Paris

Rd/Pick (1) 11 (2) 69 (3) 99 (4) 130 (5) 160 (6) 190 (7) 220 (8) 250 (9) 280 (10) 310 (11) 340 (12) 370 (13) 400 (14) 430 (15) 460 (16) 490 (17) 520 (18) 550 (19) 580 (20) 610 (21) 640 (22) 670 (23) 700 (24) 730 (25) 760 (26) 790 (27) 820 (28) 850 (29) 880 (30) 910 (31) 940 (32) 970 (33) 1000 (34) 1030 (35) 1060 (36) 1090  (37) 1120 (38) 1150 (39) 1180 (40) 1210 (41) 1240 (42) 1270 (43) 1300 (44) 1330 (45) 1360 (46) 1390 (47) 1420 (48) 1450 (49) 1480 (50) 1510 NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA

Signed  - Yes - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - Yes Yes Yes Yes - - Yes Yes - - Yes Yes Yes Yes - - - Yes - - - Yes Yes - - - - - Yes - - Yes - - Yes Yes Yes Yes - - - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

POS OF RHP RHP LHP RHP LF CF RHP RHP LHP CF C 2B RHP 1B LHP RHP RHP LHP 3B SS CF 2B 1B LF RHP SS LHP RF 3B RF RHP CF RHP  RHP C RHP RHP RHP RHP 1B CF OF RHP OF 1B LHP C RHP CF RHP C C LHP LHP

School UConn Locust Grove HS, OK Vanderbilt Santa Fe CC SUNY Stony Brook San Diego State King HS, FL Forsyth County Day School, NC    Creighton Kent State Minnesota U Mississippi Clemson Lufkin HS, TX Oklahoma State Scottsdale CC Fresno CC UC Berkley Arizona State Tennessee Jacksonville U Cal State - Northridge Oklahoma City U UNC Chapel Hill Central Catholic HS, CA Newport HS, WA Sonoma State U Oklahoma Bishop Amat HS, CA Penn State Arkansas Central Arizona College Salt Lake CC Caney Creek HS, TX Clear Creek HS, TX Texas A&M Texas A&M Oklahoma State Col of the Canyons, CA San Jacinto College North Georgia Northside Methodist Academy, AL    Upton Lakes Christian School, NY    Lamar University Clemson UC Riverside U Missouri Columbia Westfield HS, NJ College of Charleston Lake Wales HS, FL Kent State Arizona St. Johns Wheaton College Washington State

Class JR HS JR J1 JR JR HS HS  SR SR JR SR SR HS JR J2 J2 SR JR SR JR SR JR SR HS HS SR SO HS JR JR J2 J1 HS HS SR SR SR J1 J2 JR HS HS 5S SR SR SR HS JR HS SR SR SR SR SR

B/T R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R L/R L/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/R S/R R/R L/L L/R R/R R/L R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R R/R S/R L/R L/R L/R L/L R/R R/R R/R

Ht/Wt 6’03”- 205  6’04”- 205 6’07”- 230 6’03”- 175 6’04”- 205 6’02”-225 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 200 6’05”- 215 6’02”-185 6’04”- 185 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 190 5’11”- 200 6’03”- 205 6’03”- 215 6’00”- 195 6’01”- 195 6’03”- 215 6’02”- 185 6’06”- 195 5’07”- 170 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 195 6’04”- 235 6’02”- 190 6’03”- 200 6’05”- 230 6’03”- 195 5’11”- 205 6’03”- 175 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 185 6’05”- 205 5’10”-190 6’06”- 225 6’01”- 180 6’02”- 195 6’03”- 225 6’05”- 225 6’02”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 215 6’00”- 190 6’03”- 205 5’10”- 190 6’02”- 215 6’05”- 205 6’03”- 190

DOB 09/19/89 02/02/93 12/14/89 08/17/92 08/27/90 12/19/89 01/24/93 07/27/92 06/30/88 08/06/88 08/26/89 10/22/88 09/13/88 07/23/92 06/06/88 09/20/89 12/27/89 08/25/89 07/20/90 02/06/89 08/26/90 11/22/88 09/23/90 11/24/88 01/19/93 09/01/92 08/15/89 07/05/90 02/11/93 11/14/89 10/14/89 01/04/91 08/11/92 02/16/93 07/22/93 11/06/87 11/16/87 03/18/89 03/16/92 10/11/90 01/14/90 05/31/92 02/13/93 05/16/88 12/10/88 12/02/87 07/11/88 04/04/93 01/04/90 08/27/92

[chuckd]

Thank you for the update

[OregonStrosFan]

Thank you for the update

You're welcome!

[JimR]

Lee, thanks for your hard work on this.

[Duder]

John Sickels' Astros Draft Review.  LINK

[OregonStrosFan]

Lee, thanks for your hard work on this.

You're welcome Coach, my pleasure!

[OregonStrosFan]

Looks like 9th round pick RHP Jonas Dufek has signed.  From Levine (via Twitter):

Astros have now signed all of their top 13 draft picks except the two (Springer, Armstrong) still alive in NCAAs. -Z

[Uncle Charlie]

I sure the hell hope some of you gents saw Springer's defense in the 8th inning last night. 2 great plays.

[MusicMan]

I sure the hell hope some of you gents saw Springer's defense in the 8th inning last night. 2 great plays.

Tell that young man to stay healthy!

[Navin R Johnson]

I sure the hell hope some of you gents saw Springer's defense in the 8th inning last night. 2 great plays.

Looks like they might have a legit backup plan for when Bora$ comes calling.

[Uncle Charlie]

Healthy would be good.  His ability to track the ball was upper tier.  He had no real business catching either ball, especially with a strained hammy.

[OregonStrosFan]

Another NDFA signing by the Astros (Campbell via Twitter):

Kentucky IF/OF Neiko Johnson has signed free-agent contract with #Astros and will report to Tri-City Valley Cats.

[OregonStrosFan]

Per Levine (via Twitter):

Astros signed 15th round pick 1B Zachary Johnson out of Oklahoma State. -Z

[OregonStrosFan]

With the Zac Johnson signing earlier today, the Astros have signed 14 of their top 17 picks, and have signed 27 of their 50 overall picks. Additionally, the Astros have signed NDFA.  Astros 3rd round pick is headed to the CWS so wont be able to sign until that is over (and there have been rumblings that he'd be going to the Cape this summer anyway, so this could be a bit), but with the UConn losses in the Super-Regionals, Springer is eligible to sign whenever.

So with that prologue, you're updated Draftees and Status list as of Gametime on 6/13:

Draftee Springer, George Houser, Adrian Armstrong, Jack Lee, Chris Trapeano, Nick Meredith, Brandon Reynolds, Javaris Culbreth, Brandon Dufek, Jonas Hallock, Kyle Gominsky, Justin Hamblin, Miles Hinson, John Stubblefield, “Gandy” Johnson, Zac Zuloaga, Scott Perez, Tyson Miller, Kevin Lambson, Mitchell Duffy, Matthew Howick, James Muren, Andrew Sosa, Ruben Wierzbicki, Jesse Flamion, Billy Fisher, Jared Todd, Alex John, Jordan Gonzalez, Wallace Steranka, Jordan McKinney, Jarrod Dando, Zachary Taylor, Dominique Kellog, Dustin Morales, Christopher    Gonzalez, Kevin Martin, Steven Propst, James Haerle, David Lamothe, Buddy Davidson, Chase Granger, Hoke Grimes, David Ford, Blake Epps, Christopher Shults, Justin Hardoin, Zachary Murray, Andrew Peterson, David Davis, Colton Non-drafted FA signings Gill, Justin Meskin, Jacob Witowski, Joseph Dennison, Steven Shewey, Paris Johnson, Neiko

Rd/Pick (1) 11 (2) 69 (3) 99 (4) 130 (5) 160 (6) 190 (7) 220 (8) 250 (9) 280 (10) 310 (11) 340 (12) 370 (13) 400 (14) 430 (15) 460 (16) 490 (17) 520 (18) 550 (19) 580 (20) 610 (21) 640 (22) 670 (23) 700 (24) 730 (25) 760 (26) 790 (27) 820 (28) 850 (29) 880 (30) 910 (31) 940 (32) 970 (33) 1000 (34) 1030 (35) 1060 (36) 1090  (37) 1120 (38) 1150 (39) 1180 (40) 1210 (41) 1240 (42) 1270 (43) 1300 (44) 1330 (45) 1360 (46) 1390 (47) 1420 (48) 1450 (49) 1480 (50) 1510 NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA

Signed  - Yes - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - Yes Yes Yes - - Yes Yes Yes Yes - - - Yes - - - Yes Yes - - - - - Yes - - Yes - - Yes Yes Yes Yes - - - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

POS OF RHP RHP LHP RHP LF CF RHP RHP LHP CF C 2B RHP 1B LHP RHP RHP LHP 3B SS CF 2B 1B LF RHP SS LHP RF 3B RF RHP CF RHP  RHP C RHP RHP RHP RHP 1B CF OF RHP OF 1B LHP C RHP CF RHP C C LHP LHP IF/OF

School UConn Locust Grove HS, OK Vanderbilt Santa Fe CC SUNY Stony Brook San Diego State King HS, FL Forsyth County Day School, NC    Creighton Kent State Minnesota U Mississippi Clemson Lufkin HS, TX Oklahoma State Scottsdale CC Fresno CC UC Berkley Arizona State Tennessee Jacksonville U Cal State - Northridge Oklahoma City U UNC Chapel Hill Central Catholic HS, CA Newport HS, WA Sonoma State U Oklahoma Bishop Amat HS, CA Penn State Arkansas Central Arizona College Salt Lake CC Caney Creek HS, TX Clear Creek HS, TX Texas A&M Texas A&M Oklahoma State Col of the Canyons, CA San Jacinto College North Georgia Northside Methodist Academy, AL    Upton Lakes Christian School, NY    Lamar University Clemson UC Riverside U Missouri Columbia Westfield HS, NJ College of Charleston Lake Wales HS, FL Kent State Arizona St. Johns Wheaton College Washington State Kentucky

Class JR HS JR J1 JR JR HS HS  SR SR JR SR SR HS JR J2 J2 SR JR SR JR SR JR SR HS HS SR SO HS JR JR J2 J1 HS HS SR SR SR J1 J2 JR HS HS 5S SR SR SR HS JR HS SR SR SR SR SR SR

B/T R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R L/R L/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/R S/R R/R L/L L/R R/R R/L R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R R/R S/R L/R L/R L/R L/L R/R R/R R/R

Ht/Wt 6’03”- 205  6’04”- 205 6’07”- 230 6’03”- 175 6’04”- 205 6’02”-225 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 200 6’05”- 215 6’02”-185 6’04”- 185 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 190 5’11”- 200 6’03”- 205 6’03”- 215 6’00”- 195 6’01”- 195 6’03”- 215 6’02”- 185 6’06”- 195 5’07”- 170 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 195 6’04”- 235 6’02”- 190 6’03”- 200 6’05”- 230 6’03”- 195 5’11”- 205 6’03”- 175 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 185 6’05”- 205 5’10”-190 6’06”- 225 6’01”- 180 6’02”- 195 6’03”- 225 6’05”- 225 6’02”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 215 6’00”- 190 6’03”- 205 5’10”- 190 6’02”- 215 6’05”- 205 6’03”- 190

DOB 09/19/89 02/02/93 12/14/89 08/17/92 08/27/90 12/19/89 01/24/93 07/27/92 06/30/88 08/06/88 08/26/89 10/22/88 09/13/88 07/23/92 06/06/88 09/20/89 12/27/89 08/25/89 07/20/90 02/06/89 08/26/90 11/22/88 09/23/90 11/24/88 01/19/93 09/01/92 08/15/89 07/05/90 02/11/93 11/14/89 10/14/89 01/04/91 08/11/92 02/16/93 07/22/93 11/06/87 11/16/87 03/18/89 03/16/92 10/11/90 01/14/90 05/31/92 02/13/93 05/16/88 12/10/88 12/02/87 07/11/88 04/04/93 01/04/90 08/27/92

[Navin R Johnson]

FWIW, 35th Rounder Chris Morales just committed to University of Houston.  Not sure if that means he wasn't offered enough to go, or if he is just using that as leverage.

[Jacksonian]

FWIW, 35th Rounder Chris Morales just committed to University of Houston.  Not sure if that means he wasn't offered enough to go, or if he is just using that as leverage.

Or just keeping all doors open.

[OregonStrosFan]

Springer won't be an 'expedited signing' (Levine LINK):

“I’m not expecting this to be an expedited signing,” said Heck. “He just played (66) games. We’ll give him a little time to relax and heal up a little bit. He’s had a long year, and they’ve been on the road for the last few weeks with regionals, super regionals, Big East tournament. He tweaked his hamstring, and he ran into a wall. So I’d be inclined to give him a little bit of heal time even if I thought it would be extremely fast (signing him).”

[austro]

Springer won't be an 'expedited signing' (Levine LINK):

“I’m not expecting this to be an expedited signing,” said Heck. “He just played (66) games. We’ll give him a little time to relax and heal up a little bit. He’s had a long year, and they’ve been on the road for the last few weeks with regionals, super regionals, Big East tournament. He tweaked his hamstring, and he ran into a wall. So I’d be inclined to give him a little bit of heal time even if I thought it would be extremely fast (signing him).”

In other words, maybe we'll let Crane worry about the size of the bonus.

[Ron Brand]

In other words, maybe we'll let Crane worry about the size of the bonus.

Your decoder ring is in excellent working order.

[OregonStrosFan]

Per Stephen Goff (via Twitter):

Astros signed LHP Mitchell Lambson, their 19th-round selection out of Arizona State, today. They have now signed 28 of their 50 Draft picks.

[astrosfan76]

Per Goff (Twitter)

The Astros signed 24th-round pick Jesse Wierzbicki, 1B, North Carolina, today. They have now signed 29 of their 50 2011 Draft picks.

[OregonStrosFan]

With the signing of 24th round pick, the Astros have now signed 29 of their 50 picks, as well as 6 NDFAs.  As of game time on 06/25/11, here is the list of 2011 draft picks and signees.

Draftee Springer, George Houser, Adrian Armstrong, Jack Lee, Chris Trapeano, Nick Meredith, Brandon Reynolds, Javaris Culbreth, Brandon Dufek, Jonas Hallock, Kyle Gominsky, Justin Hamblin, Miles Hinson, John Stubblefield, “Gandy” Johnson, Zac Zuloaga, Scott Perez, Tyson Miller, Kevin Lambson, Mitchell Duffy, Matthew Howick, James Muren, Andrew Sosa, Ruben Wierzbicki, Jesse Flamion, Billy Fisher, Jared Todd, Alex John, Jordan Gonzalez, Wallace Steranka, Jordan McKinney, Jarrod Dando, Zachary Taylor, Dominique Kellog, Dustin Morales, Christopher    Gonzalez, Kevin Martin, Steven Propst, James Haerle, David Lamothe, Buddy Davidson, Chase Granger, Hoke Grimes, David Ford, Blake Epps, Christopher Shults, Justin Hardoin, Zachary Murray, Andrew Peterson, David Davis, Colton Non-drafted FA signings Gill, Justin Meskin, Jacob Witowski, Joseph Dennison, Steven Shewey, Paris Johnson, Neiko

Rd/Pick (1) 11 (2) 69 (3) 99 (4) 130 (5) 160 (6) 190 (7) 220 (8) 250 (9) 280 (10) 310 (11) 340 (12) 370 (13) 400 (14) 430 (15) 460 (16) 490 (17) 520 (18) 550 (19) 580 (20) 610 (21) 640 (22) 670 (23) 700 (24) 730 (25) 760 (26) 790 (27) 820 (28) 850 (29) 880 (30) 910 (31) 940 (32) 970 (33) 1000 (34) 1030 (35) 1060 (36) 1090  (37) 1120 (38) 1150 (39) 1180 (40) 1210 (41) 1240 (42) 1270 (43) 1300 (44) 1330 (45) 1360 (46) 1390 (47) 1420 (48) 1450 (49) 1480 (50) 1510 NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA

Signed  - Yes - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - Yes Yes Yes - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - - Yes - - - Yes Yes - - - - - Yes - - Yes - - Yes Yes Yes Yes - - - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

POS OF RHP RHP LHP RHP LF CF RHP RHP LHP CF C 2B RHP 1B LHP RHP RHP LHP 3B SS CF 2B 1B LF RHP SS LHP RF 3B RF RHP CF RHP  RHP C RHP RHP RHP RHP 1B CF OF RHP OF 1B LHP C RHP CF RHP C C LHP LHP IF/OF

School UConn Locust Grove HS, OK Vanderbilt Santa Fe CC SUNY Stony Brook San Diego State King HS, FL Forsyth County Day School, NC    Creighton Kent State Minnesota U Mississippi Clemson Lufkin HS, TX Oklahoma State Scottsdale CC Fresno CC UC Berkley Arizona State Tennessee Jacksonville U Cal State – Northridge Oklahoma City U UNC Chapel Hill Central Catholic HS, CA Newport HS, WA Sonoma State U Oklahoma Bishop Amat HS, CA Penn State Arkansas Central Arizona College Salt Lake CC Caney Creek HS, TX Clear Creek HS, TX Texas A&M Texas A&M Oklahoma State Col of the Canyons, CA San Jacinto College North Georgia Northside Methodist Academy, AL    Upton Lakes Christian School, NY    Lamar University Clemson UC Riverside U Missouri Columbia Westfield HS, NJ College of Charleston Lake Wales HS, FL Kent State Arizona St. Johns Wheaton College Washington State Kentucky

Class JR HS JR J1 JR JR HS HS  SR SR JR SR SR HS JR J2 J2 SR JR SR JR SR JR SR HS HS SR SO HS JR JR J2 J1 HS HS SR SR SR J1 J2 JR HS HS 5S SR SR SR HS JR HS SR SR SR SR SR SR

B/T R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R L/R L/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/R S/R R/R L/L L/R R/R R/L R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R R/R S/R L/R L/R L/R L/L R/R R/R R/R

Ht/Wt 6’03”- 205  6’04”- 205 6’07”- 230 6’03”- 175 6’04”- 205 6’02”-225 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 200 6’05”- 215 6’02”-185 6’04”- 185 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 190 5’11”- 200 6’03”- 205 6’03”- 215 6’00”- 195 6’01”- 195 6’03”- 215 6’02”- 185 6’06”- 195 5’07”- 170 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 195 6’04”- 235 6’02”- 190 6’03”- 200 6’05”- 230 6’03”- 195 5’11”- 205 6’03”- 175 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 185 6’05”- 205 5’10”-190 6’06”- 225 6’01”- 180 6’02”- 195 6’03”- 225 6’05”- 225 6’02”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 215 6’00”- 190 6’03”- 205 5’10”- 190 6’02”- 215 6’05”- 205 6’03”- 190

DOB 09/19/89 02/02/93 12/14/89 08/17/92 08/27/90 12/19/89 01/24/93 07/27/92 06/30/88 08/06/88 08/26/89 10/22/88 09/13/88 07/23/92 06/06/88 09/20/89 12/27/89 08/25/89 07/20/90 02/06/89 08/26/90 11/22/88 09/23/90 11/24/88 01/19/93 09/01/92 08/15/89 07/05/90 02/11/93 11/14/89 10/14/89 01/04/91 08/11/92 02/16/93 07/22/93 11/06/87 11/16/87 03/18/89 03/16/92 10/11/90 01/14/90 05/31/92 02/13/93 05/16/88 12/10/88 12/02/87 07/11/88 04/04/93 01/04/90 08/27/92

[OregonStrosFan]

2 more picks signed today. Per Levine (via Twitter):

Astros announce signings of two local products, both also Texas A&M Aggies: Kevin Gonzalez (Rd 36, C) and Steven Martin (Rd 37, RHP) -Z

The Astros have now signed 31 of their 50 picks, as well as 6 NDFAs.  Updated draftees and status list below, with notations where each of the players have been assigned (if known). [GCL = Gulf Coast League Astros; G-Stros = Greeneville Astros; TCVC = Tri-City ValleyCats]

Draftee Springer, George Houser, Adrian Armstrong, Jack Lee, Chris Trapeano, Nick Meredith, Brandon Reynolds, Javaris Culbreth, Brandon Dufek, Jonas Hallock, Kyle Gominsky, Justin Hamblin, Miles Hinson, John Stubblefield, “Gandy” Johnson, Zac Zuloaga, Scott Perez, Tyson Miller, Kevin Lambson, Mitchell Duffy, Matthew Howick, James Muren, Andrew Sosa, Ruben Wierzbicki, Jesse Flamion, Billy Fisher, Jared Todd, Alex John, Jordan Gonzalez, Wallace Steranka, Jordan McKinney, Jarrod Dando, Zachary Taylor, Dominique Kellog, Dustin Morales, Christopher    Gonzalez, Kevin Martin, Steven Propst, James Haerle, David Lamothe, Buddy Davidson, Chase Granger, Hoke Grimes, David Ford, Blake Epps, Christopher Shults, Justin Hardoin, Zachary Murray, Andrew Peterson, David Davis, Colton Non-drafted FA signings Gill, Justin Meskin, Jacob Witowski, Joseph Dennison, Steven Shewey, Paris Johnson, Neiko

Rd/Pick (1) 11 (2) 69 (3) 99 (4) 130 (5) 160 (6) 190 (7) 220 (8) 250 (9) 280 (10) 310 (11) 340 (12) 370 (13) 400 (14) 430 (15) 460 (16) 490 (17) 520 (18) 550 (19) 580 (20) 610 (21) 640 (22) 670 (23) 700 (24) 730 (25) 760 (26) 790 (27) 820 (28) 850 (29) 880 (30) 910 (31) 940 (32) 970 (33) 1000 (34) 1030 (35) 1060 (36) 1090  (37) 1120 (38) 1150 (39) 1180 (40) 1210 (41) 1240 (42) 1270 (43) 1300 (44) 1330 (45) 1360 (46) 1390 (47) 1420 (48) 1450 (49) 1480 (50) 1510 NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA NDFA

Signed  - Yes - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - Yes Yes Yes - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - - Yes - - - Yes Yes - - - Yes Yes Yes - - Yes - - Yes Yes Yes Yes - - - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Asmg GCL G-Stros TCVC TCVC GCL GCL TCVC TCVC TCVC TCVC TCVC TCVC G-Stros G-Stros TCVC TCVC    ?? TCVC G-Stros    ?? G-Stros GCL G-Stros    ??    ?? G-Stros G-Stros GCL GCL GCL GCL CGL CGL CGL CGL G-Stros TCVC

POS OF RHP RHP LHP RHP LF CF RHP RHP LHP CF C 2B RHP 1B LHP RHP RHP LHP 3B SS CF 2B 1B LF RHP SS LHP RF 3B RF RHP CF RHP  RHP C RHP RHP RHP RHP 1B CF OF RHP OF 1B LHP C RHP CF RHP C C LHP LHP IF/OF

School UConn Locust Grove HS, OK Vanderbilt Santa Fe CC SUNY Stony Brook San Diego State King HS, FL Forsyth County Day School, NC    Creighton Kent State Minnesota U Mississippi Clemson Lufkin HS, TX Oklahoma State Scottsdale CC Fresno CC UC Berkley Arizona State Tennessee Jacksonville U Cal State – Northridge Oklahoma City U UNC Chapel Hill Central Catholic HS, CA Newport HS, WA Sonoma State U Oklahoma Bishop Amat HS, CA Penn State Arkansas Central Arizona College Salt Lake CC Caney Creek HS, TX Clear Creek HS, TX Texas A&M Texas A&M Oklahoma State Col of the Canyons, CA San Jacinto College North Georgia Northside Methodist Academy, AL    Upton Lakes Christian School, NY    Lamar University Clemson UC Riverside U Missouri Columbia Westfield HS, NJ College of Charleston Lake Wales HS, FL Kent State Arizona St. Johns Wheaton College Washington State Kentucky

Class JR HS JR J1 JR JR HS HS  SR SR JR SR SR HS JR J2 J2 SR JR SR JR SR JR SR HS HS SR SO HS JR JR J2 J1 HS HS SR SR SR J1 J2 JR HS HS 5S SR SR SR HS JR HS SR SR SR SR SR SR

B/T R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R L/R L/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R L/R S/R R/R L/L L/R R/R R/L R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R R/R S/R L/R L/R L/R L/L R/R R/R R/R

Ht/Wt 6’03”- 205  6’04”- 205 6’07”- 230 6’03”- 175 6’04”- 205 6’02”-225 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 200 6’05”- 215 6’02”-185 6’04”- 185 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 190 5’11”- 200 6’03”- 205 6’03”- 215 6’00”- 195 6’01”- 195 6’03”- 215 6’02”- 185 6’06”- 195 5’07”- 170 6’03”- 200 6’01”- 195 6’04”- 235 6’02”- 190 6’03”- 200 6’05”- 230 6’03”- 195 5’11”- 205 6’03”- 175 6’01”- 190 6’04”- 185 6’05”- 205 5’10”-190 6’06”- 225 6’01”- 180 6’02”- 195 6’03”- 225 6’05”- 225 6’02”- 200 6’01”- 180 6’05”- 215 6’00”- 190 6’03”- 205 5’10”- 190 6’02”- 215 6’05”- 205 6’03”- 190

DOB 09/19/89 02/02/93 12/14/89 08/17/92 08/27/90 12/19/89 01/24/93 07/27/92 06/30/88 08/06/88 08/26/89 10/22/88 09/13/88 07/23/92 06/06/88 09/20/89 12/27/89 08/25/89 07/20/90 02/06/89 08/26/90 11/22/88 09/23/90 11/24/88 01/19/93 09/01/92 08/15/89 07/05/90 02/11/93 11/14/89 10/14/89 01/04/91 08/11/92 02/16/93 07/22/93 11/06/87 11/16/87 03/18/89 03/16/92 10/11/90 01/14/90 05/31/92 02/13/93 05/16/88 12/10/88 12/02/87 07/11/88 04/04/93 01/04/90 08/27/92

[JimR]

any word on Springer?

[OregonStrosFan]

any word on Springer?

Not that I've seen recently. They originally expected him to be an 'easy' sign. I haven't got the impression that this has changed or that he's DeLino'ing the team, rather the only thing that I'd heard is that the team wanted to give him some time to recoup after the CWS and nurse the hammy, etc. I'd expect it to happen in the next week or two. Armstrong will be an end of the signing period signing though. IIRC, he's planning to head to the Cape and up his standing a bit.

[jbm]

I don't get the Armstrong tactic. It can be argued that third round is pretty high for a guy who wasn't that stellar last year, was mostly injured this year, and didn't even throw an inning for his team in the CWS (IIRC).  In other words, he was apparently taken that high because he obviously has upside, and going to the cape and demonstrating that he has upside isn't going to change much since the Astros have essentially acknowleged that by drafting him in the third round.

[astrosfan76]

I don't get the Armstrong tactic. It can be argued that third round is pretty high for a guy who wasn't that stellar last year, was mostly injured this year, and didn't even throw an inning for his team in the CWS (IIRC).  In other words, he was apparently taken that high because he obviously has upside, and going to the cape and demonstrating that he has upside isn't going to change much since the Astros have essentially acknowleged that by drafting him in the third round.

Armstrong has a lot to gain by going out.  His slot would be in the $340K range, but proving himself healthy and dominant in the Cape could make him a lot more money.  Talent-wise, he'd have been a first-rounder, so there's a lot of room to go up.  If he doesn't like our offer, he can go back next season and, even though he'll be a senior, have a chance to improve his stock greatly in a weaker draft class.

[Navin R Johnson]

In terms of money, the Padres have signed the #10 pick Cory Spangenberg.  He got 1.86 million, he was a JUCO 2nd baseman. 

The things I read from Heck are similar to what OSF just posted.  They were gonna let him go back home for awhile, heal up and then would get the contract worked out.  I got the impression it would be a mid/end of July signing.

[jbm]

Armstrong has a lot to gain by going out.  His slot would be in the $340K range, but proving himself healthy and dominant in the Cape could make him a lot more money.  Talent-wise, he'd have been a first-rounder, so there's a lot of room to go up.  If he doesn't like our offer, he can go back next season and, even though he'll be a senior, have a chance to improve his stock greatly in a weaker draft class.

Really?  A couple of good weeks in the cape will make a guy who was low on the Vandy staff into a first round talent?  This strategy may have made sense if he was a 7th rounder or so (which he might have anticipated when he stated he was going to the cape), but seems kind of questionable for a 3rd rounder.  Would a few good weeks even allay concerns about his injuries?  

[astrosfan76]

Really?  A couple of good weeks in the cape will make a guy who was low on the Vandy staff into a first round talent?  This strategy may have made sense if he was a 7th rounder or so (which he might have anticipated when he stated he was going to the cape), but seems kind of questionable for a 3rd rounder.  Would a few good weeks even allay concerns about his injuries?  

We're talking about talent, not performance.  Vanderbilt didn't have him as a weekend starter (which he had been in previous seasons) this season because of back and elbow injuries.  He was able to build up his arm strength, though and was 96-99 on his two-seamer three weeks ago. 

Anyway, here's what Jack and Heck had to say:

"There's a pretty good chance I'm probably going to go to Cape," he said. "I'm pretty sure Houston knows that's going to be the deal. And they probably want to see me some more, anyway, to see where I fit in. I want to show them I'm healthy again and get some more reps in before I start my professional career, potentially."

Astros assistant general manager and director of scouting Bobby Heck said the Astros won't miss many of Armstrong's starts if the righty pitches in the Cape Cod League, and the club intends to sign Armstrong before the end of the summer.

"We've seen him the last few weeks healthy," Heck said. "That was probably part of his slide. Going into this year, he was one of the better prospects in the Draft, and that's obviously his reason for going up to the Cape and reproving his worth."

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110607&content_id=20178192&vkey=draftcentral2011

[Duder]

Here's what John Klima from Baseball Beginnings had to say about Armstrong in 2009.  LINK

The feeling here is that if Jack Armstrong was in the 2010 MLB draft, we’d be talking about him as a solid 1/1 candidate.  ESPN and MLB PR types would shoot me, but Armstrong is better than Strasburg, and it ain’t even close.  Armstrong hits 96 in this video (twice) with a power curveball, and a great body. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I read that line about not caring about if the guy looks good in blue jeans, too, assuming it was really spoken. But let’s get something clear. This guy is as close to big league ready as there is in the SEC right now.

I don't get the Armstrong tactic. It can be argued that third round is pretty high for a guy who wasn't that stellar last year, was mostly injured this year, and didn't even throw an inning for his team in the CWS (IIRC).  In other words, he was apparently taken that high because he obviously has upside, and going to the cape and demonstrating that he has upside isn't going to change much since the Astros have essentially acknowleged that by drafting him in the third round.

If Armstrong is anywhere close to as good as Klima thinks he is, then he has plenty to gain by going to the Cape.

[Travis]

Baseball Beginnings is usually a pretty interesting read. IIRC, he has liked a lot of Astros draftees. For example, he loved Mier. http://baseballbeginnings.com/2009/05/15/jiovanni-mier-report#more-702

I think he was also pretty high on Austin Wates.

[jbm]

Here's what John Klima from Baseball Beginnings had to say about Armstrong in 2009.  LINK

The feeling here is that if Jack Armstrong was in the 2010 MLB draft, we’d be talking about him as a solid 1/1 candidate.  ESPN and MLB PR types would shoot me, but Armstrong is better than Strasburg, and it ain’t even close.  Armstrong hits 96 in this video (twice) with a power curveball, and a great body. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I read that line about not caring about if the guy looks good in blue jeans, too, assuming it was really spoken. But let’s get something clear. This guy is as close to big league ready as there is in the SEC right now.
If Armstrong is anywhere close to as good as Klima thinks he is, then he has plenty to gain by going to the Cape.

I really don't want to have a tit for tat argument about this, but nothing about Armstrong's quotes, Heck's quotes, or an old scouting report leads me to believe Armstrong is going to get 1st round money.  I don't even read his qoutes (or Heck's quote) as implying even he (or Heck) is thinking that way.  In fact, until he actually goes to the Cape, I think there is a good chance he says "wow, third round money is pretty good for someone with my resume, talent, and injury history."

I doubt he goes to the cape, and after a few three inning stints, the club is going to go "wow, we should pay him like Strasburg," or even "wow, we should pay him like Sonny Gray."  There will always be a counter argument in the back of their minds of:  he doesn't have an established body of work, and a history of injuries.  That fact isn't going away. 

[OregonStrosFan]

Think there'd be at least a little Renaudo'ing going on with Armstrong...

[jbm]

The difference is that Renaudo had an established body of work.  The question then became:  might he be healthy enough to return to his 800K form.  With Armstrong, there is no X dollar form to return to.  He was a middling pitcher as a sophomore, albeit a middling pitcher with a good arm. 

[OregonStrosFan]

The difference is that Renaudo had an established body of work.  The question then became:  might he be healthy enough to return to his 800K form.  With Armstrong, there is no X dollar form to return to.  He was a middling pitcher as a sophomore, albeit a middling pitcher with a good arm. 

Yeah, didn't mean to imply that he could/would/should get 1st rd money (I haven't a clue), just that there was some jockeying for position going on...

[jbm]

I don't have a clue on what he will eventually get either.  Just offering an alternative view. 

[astrosfan76]

I really don't want to have a tit for tat argument about this, but nothing about Armstrong's quotes, Heck's quotes, or an old scouting report leads me to believe Armstrong is going to get 1st round money.  I don't even read his qoutes (or Heck's quote) as implying even he (or Heck) is thinking that way.  In fact, until he actually goes to the Cape, I think there is a good chance he says "wow, third round money is pretty good for someone with my resume, talent, and injury history."

I doubt he goes to the cape, and after a few three inning stints, the club is going to go "wow, we should pay him like Strasburg," or even "wow, we should pay him like Sonny Gray."  There will always be a counter argument in the back of their minds of:  he doesn't have an established body of work, and a history of injuries.  That fact isn't going away. 

He doesn't have to get first-round money to make it worthwhile, though.  If he goes out, proves he is healthy and deals, and signs for $750K (instead of $340K), that is flat-out worth it on his part.  I don't know what he is looking for, if he even has a specific number in mind right now, but if he even bumps up his bonus $200K for a 1-2 month stint in Cape Cod, how is that not worth it for him?  

On the club's end, they knew before drafting him what his intentions were (if they didn't, the scout didn't do his job).  If they weren't willing to go higher than 3rd-round money, why draft him?  They like guys who are willing to sign quickly and go play; if he wasn't worth the extra effort, pick the next guy on the list.  

[jbm]

I don't know what he is looking for, if he even has a specific number in mind right now, but if he even bumps up his bonus $200K for a 1-2 month stint in Cape Cod, how is that not worth it for him?    

I don't know, maybe he gets hurt.  Maybe he gets shelled.  Maybe housing will never go down. 

[Reuben]

Someone on this site mused that the Astros would wait until Crane officially takes over the team to sign Springer. I could see that.

Now, the question is when will he officially get approved/take over?

[MusicMan]

Someone on this site mused that the Astros would wait until Crane officially takes over the team to sign Springer. I could see that.

Now, the question is when will he officially get approved/take over?

For some reason July 8 is what I recall as the date.

[Duder]

For some reason July 8 is what I recall as the date.

Wasn't there talk that the date could be moved back due to the Dodgers' mess?

[moriartp]

The signing may not go down until the deadline in any case. If they agree on a figure that's beyond five or ten percent over slot, MLB will only approve it in the final hours.

[Navin R Johnson]

Wasn't there talk that the date could be moved back due to the Dodgers' mess?

I saw where the sale will not be approved for at least 2-3 more weeks due to the Dodger mess.

[Reuben]

I saw where the sale will not be approved for at least 2-3 more weeks due to the Dodger mess.

I saw that too. I guess we shouldn't be surprised that MLB can't walk and chew gum at the same time.

[jbm]

That guy at business of baseball kept yapping about Crane's "war profiteering," on top of the previously discussed employment case.  Then he started on the debt amount issue.  The guy's passion against Crane was oddly over-the-top for a reporter who presumably was just reporting the facts.  Don't know if these things are still an issue, or if they ever were.  Maybe it was MLB's way to get leverage over Crane to get him to accept realignment.  You know, we'll ignore your shady past if you join our wonderful AL West.

[MusicMan]

The guy's passion against Crane was oddly over-the-top for a reporter who presumably was just reporting the facts. 

His Forbes piece was an all-out hatchet job.

[Navin R Johnson]

Well, on 1560 Justice and Granato just stated that the sale might get pushed to August when the owners meet in Cooperstown.

Also said, rumor is Brian Peters the agent for George Springer is gonna stretch out the signing since they know Crane has to sign Springer.

[Duder]

Looks like Jack Armstrong made his first start in the Cape Cod League.  4 IP 1 ER 5 H 0 BB 3 K LINK

ETA : Jack Armstrong's CL debut ends after 4 innings. Looked good. Sat 94 touched 96. LINK

[OregonStrosFan]

Good stuff from Astros County updating what's going on with the potential signing of 25th rd pick Billy Flamion: LINK

[Reuben]

from Jim Callis' chat at BA today:

      Glenn (New Jersey): Hi Jim, thanks for the chat. I've read that the Astros' ownership transfer is being delayed as MLB wrestles with Dodgers situation. As we get closer to key deadlines, how do you see things playing out with respect to #1 draft pick George Springer? Will he sign if McLane is still in charge and won't go above slot? Also, what impact will a delay have for the team as it approaches the trade deadline? Jon Heyman with SI has reported that general managers will be reluctant to deal with the Astros. Your take?


Jim Callis: Springer will sign, no doubt, regardless of the ownership situation. Don't see it affecting trades much either--MLB is going to have no problem with the Astros trading high-priced veterans.

[astrosfan76]

Another one in the fold (per Twitter):

alysonfooter
The Astros signed their 34th round pick, RHP Dustin Kellogg. I just met him outside of the clubhouse & he called me "ma'am." Ah, the young.

[OregonStrosFan]

Some draft day 3 info on Kellog from the Chron. LINK

Kellogg, who has signed with Navarro College, was with his select baseball team in Louisiana when he received the news. He possesses a high 80s-to-low 90s fastball.

[OregonStrosFan]

McTaggart update on Springer negotiations. LINK

[hostros7]

McTaggart update on Springer negotiations. LINK

Armstrong just needs to sign.  You know how you can make a fuck ton of money?  Playing in the major leagues and not cape cod.  Jesus, has he not seen how bad the Astros bullpen is? 

[Reuben]

Armstrong just needs to sign.  You know how you can make a fuck ton of money?  Playing in the major leagues and not cape cod.  Jesus, has he not seen how bad the Astros bullpen is? 

I think they view Armstrong as a starter. Which means probably no chance to get a call-up until 2013 at best.

[OregonStrosFan]

Per Stephen Goff (via Twitter):

The Astros signed 29th-round selection, OF Wallace Gonzalez, out of Bishop Amat HS in La Puente, Calif. They have now signed 33 Draft picks.

The Astros also signed RHP C.C. Yavapi as a non-drafted free agent today. They have now signed seven non-drafted free agents since the Draft

[Russe]

Via MLBTradeRumors:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/george-springer-may-sign-with-long-island-ducks.html#disqus_thread

The link in question:

http://twitter.com/#!/zoodig/status/95392104322314240

Not a good sign if true.

[MusicMan]

Via MLBTradeRumors:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/07/george-springer-may-sign-with-long-island-ducks.html#disqus_thread

The link in question:

http://twitter.com/#!/zoodig/status/95392104322314240

Much ado about nothing.
Not a good sign if true.

[OregonStrosFan]

Who/what in the heck is 'zoodig' anyway?!?

[Bench]

Who/what in the heck is 'zoodig' anyway?!?

Somebody from California who just launched a web site and is trying to generate traffic.  He should aim his sights higher than the Cape Cod League rumors. 

[Bench]

Somebody from California who just launched a web site and is trying to generate traffic.  He should aim his sights higher than the Cape Cod League rumors.  

But it's apparently true.  McTaggart

Springer’s father, George Springer Jr., attended the meeting with his son and told MLB.com it was nothing more than trying to establish some options in case his son can’t reach an agreement with the Astros by the Aug. 15 deadline.

Springer Jr. said his son returning to Connecticut isn’t a likely option.

“I do think he is prepared, and it’s been told to the Astros, that he’s prepared to start his professional career,” he said. “I think he’s looking forward to that. I don’t think going back to school is a real option for him. He’s looking forward to starting his career, and hopefully that’s with the Astros.”

[austro]

Springer’s father, George Springer Jr., attended the meeting with his son and told MLB.com it was nothing more than trying to establish some options in case his son can’t reach an agreement with the Astros by the Aug. 15 deadline.

Springer Jr. said his son returning to Connecticut isn’t a likely option.

“I do think he is prepared, and it’s been told to the Astros, that he’s prepared to start his professional career,” he said. “I think he’s looking forward to that. I don’t think going back to school is a real option for him. He’s looking forward to starting his career, and hopefully that’s with the Astros.”

I'm a little hazy on the bonus history of the Long Island Ducks. I imagine they have a track record of laying down 6- and 7-figure bonuses for new hires?

[MusicMan]

Who/what in the heck is 'zoodig' anyway?!?

From Fuckhouse's Twitter feed:

I'd be willing to bet a year's salary none of you have ever heard of the person who sent out the tweet about Springer and have no idea...

...who he/she is, what he/she does and if he/she has any knowledge or authority on any topic at all. Can we all calm the bleep down please

I am not going to respond to every rumor, trade or otherwise, real or bogus. You guys want to believe everything you read, cool.

Please leave me out of it. Thanks.

[DVauthrin]

I'm a little hazy on the bonus history of the Long Island Ducks. I imagine they have a track record of laying down 6- and 7-figure bonuses for new hires?

Does it really matter?    Right now, the Astros can't afford to piss away another first round pick because of signing bonus issues.

[MusicMan]

Does it really matter?    Right now, the Astros can't afford to piss away another first round pick because of signing bonus issues.

They know that.  Springer and his dad know that.  It's just posturing.  Ignore it.

[roadrunner]

I know this is all just negotiating tactics, but given the state of the organization it's hard not to be glass-half-empty about this news.

[Bench]

From Fuckhouse's Twitter feed:

But it was true after all.  It is barely significant if at all, but it's still true. 

[jbm]

How many of the picks higher than him have signed?

[Jacksonian]

How many of the picks higher than him have signed?

1

[Reuben]

I'm guessing what happened was something along the lines of Springer and his dad realized that the Astros knew he had made no plans to go back to school, knew that he was eager to start his pro career, and went "oh shit, we have almost zero leverage right now." Presto, enter one casual phone call with the Long Island Ducks.

[Jacksonian]

The pitfalls of trying to improve your contract negotiating leverage.  Jack Armstrong left his last Cape Cod outing, sometime in late July, after 1 inning due to elbow tightness.  Ack.

If the Astros don't sign him they'll get a comp pick at the end of the 3rd round next year.

[jbm]

Wow, I was told the decision was all upside. 

[Jacksonian]

Wow, I was told the decision was all upside. 

They may still decide to sign him.  But at the moment it appears Armstrong has lost any leverage he might have had.

[astrosfan76]

Wow, I was told the decision was all upside. 

Again, the club knew of his intentions, knowing that he was going to try to improve his stock by proving he was healthy.  If they didn't feel like he was worth the game, they wouldn't have drafted him, they would have just moved on.  They were obviously okay with the situation. 

For Armstrong's part, he knows that when he is right, he is better than a 3rd-rounder and that if he can show he is healthy, he could double/greatly improve his bonus.  He has dominated the Cape before, so he goes in feeling confident of his plan.  Did it work as well as planned?  Nope.  But, he's a competitive guy and wanted to prove himself. 

Anyway, we don't know the extent of his injuries, just that he had tightness in his elbow.  He could still be signed; could still get his $340K if the club is okay with his physical.  If not, we get a comp pick (for a guy who would have been hurt with us) and he goes back for his senior season. 

[Uncle Charlie]

Of course we don't know the extent of the injury, but certainly the Astros plan now should be to offer him slot and get a physical done. If there is a problem, Astros can offer him less and waive the physical or just decline & take the pick.

I must say I have a bad feeling on this (no reason) and would just take the pick next year.

[roadrunner]

Well all that and he was back on the mound tonight.  Apparently he threw 1 scoreless.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

This is a possibly stupid question, but if Springer doesn't sign, will Houston receive a compensation pick?  If so, where would this pick fall in the draft order?  

My thought is, if they get a compensation pick for Springer, they potentially have two 1st round picks next year....

eta: I did research this, and I suspect they will get the #12 pick.  But wanted to confirm.  There is a follow up question:  If both picks are in the top half, are both protected "should" houston sign another team's Type A FA? (yeah, I know I need to lay off the hard stuff...)

[Navin R Johnson]

I am pretty sure they get the same pick next year, so they would have #1 and #11

[moriartp]

This is a possibly stupid question, but if Springer doesn't sign, will Houston receive a compensation pick?  If so, where would this pick fall in the draft order? 

My thought is, if they get a compensation pick for Springer, they potentially have two 1st round picks next year....

Yes. Springer was selected 11th overall, so they'd get the 12th pick next year (compensation picks are awarded one spot behind the unsigned pick through the second round). That said, early indications are there won't be a George Springer-like talent on the board at 12 next year. 2011 was loaded.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Yes. Springer was selected 11th overall, so they'd get the 12th pick next year (compensation picks are awarded one spot behind the unsigned pick through the second round). That said, early indications are there won't be a George Springer-like talent on the board at 12 next year. 2011 was loaded.

Same thing I recall...

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Let's remember that as of today, only two picks ahead of Springer have signed, and just 10 total 1st rounders are signed.

Still 10 days to the signing deadline, right?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Let's remember that as of today, only two picks ahead of Springer have signed, and just 10 total 1st rounders are signed.

Still 10 days to the signing deadline, right?

Sure... I wasn't prognosticating.  I'm just looking at what happens next.  It's research for my future career in MLB Front Office operations....

[Fynn]

Let's remember that as of today, only two picks ahead of Springer have signed, and just 10 total 1st rounders are signed.

Still 10 days to the signing deadline, right?

I just read a note from Zach Levine that Springer is in Houston today to get the physical exam out of the way-apparently both sides expect a last minute signing which would not allow much time for the routine matters.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2011/08/05/astros-first-round-pick-springer-in-houston-for-physical-shuck-not-in-lineup-for-first-game/

[astrosfan76]

I am pretty sure they get the same pick next year, so they would have #1 and #11

Compensation for Springer would be #9b since the D-Backs and Padres both had compensation picks ahead of them this year.

[Navin R Johnson]

So is MLB not approving the sell till after the signing deadline a blessing or a curse?   

[astrosfan76]

Wade said he expects negotiations to continue until the deadline. The Astros are hoping to sign Springer, third-round pick Jack Armstrong -- who's currently pitching in the Cape Cod League -- and 13th-round pick Horace Stubblefield, a right-handed pitcher from Lufkin, Texas.

Interested in how negotiations with Flamion are going.  I wasn't able to find anything more recent than an AstrosCounty article from mid-July. 

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110805&content_id=22795068&vkey=news_hou&c_id=hou

[roadrunner]

Ok so 48 hours right?  Just Springer and Armstrong?

[moriartp]

Ok so 48 hours right?  Just Springer and Armstrong?

And hopefully one or two of the signability guys taken in later rounds.

[Reuben]

And hopefully one or two of the signability guys taken in later rounds.

You mean Flamion, Stubblefield, anybody else...?

[moriartp]

You mean Flamion, Stubblefield, anybody else...?

Those are the two names that immediately come to mind. Can't remember if there were any/many others.

[hostros7]

Under the "news to me" section: jungmann will not sign w brewers according to Lucas pre game.

[OregonStrosFan]

39 of the top 50 draft picks remained unsigned at this point per Mayo blog. LINK

[OregonStrosFan]

Per Levine (LINK), the Astros are still in negotiations with 3 picks:

The Astros have signed 33 picks, not signed 17 others and remain in negotiations with three of those 17 — first-rounder George Springer (UConn outfielder), third-rounder Jack Armstrong (Vanderbilt pitcher) and 14th-rounder Gandy Stubblefield (Lufkin High School pitcher committed to Texas A&M if he does not sign).

[Clark in Denver]

39 of the top 50 draft picks remained unsigned at this point per Mayo blog. LINK

Interesting. With the upcoming CBA negotiations, I would think the players would want to sign this year before the owners try and put limits in place for next year. As we saw in the NFL, the veterans are pretty willing to sacrifice the rookies in the negotiations. Of course, this could be why the owners are holding a hard line this year, knowing that sitting out a year is a less attractive option.

[jbm]

Isn't it this way every year?  I suspect your CBA observation is correct, and all the deals with the top guys will get done.  Even without the CBA, guys like Springer and Jungmann who aren't going to go much higher have jack shit for leverage and will sign.  Where the fuck they going to go?  Back to school or independent ball?  I suppose it could happen but I'm not sure why a club would want someone that stupid. 

[Navin R Johnson]

Crazy, less than 45 minutes left and there are still 23 unsigned 1st rounders. 

@jjcoop36: Wildest hour of the #mlbdraft we've ever seen. Last year at this time, 11 first-rounders were unsigned. This year: 23.

[roadrunner]

Law doesn't think Armstrong will sign.

[Jacksonian]

This system is moronic.

[roadrunner]

This is one of the most ridiculous processes in all of sports.  It's like this and the BCS.

[Jacksonian]

There is no reason this deadline garbage couldn't be moved to July.  All these guys would be playing pro ball right now and developing instead of wasting the experience.  Look what it's done for Bauer.

[Ebby Calvin]

@Stephen_Goff: Ed Wade and the Astros have scheduled a press conference at 11:00 p.m.

[Jacksonian]

Nats gave Purke a huge deal.  I can't believe a guy with his arm issues gets top of the 1st round money.

[roadrunner]

Bell to the Pirates and Purke to the Nats

[Jacksonian]

Springer and Armstrong both signed.

[Navin R Johnson]

johnmanuelba John Manuel

Source reports Astros have signed 1st rounder George Springer and 3rd rounder Jack Armstrong Jr. we'll keep going after bonuses.

[Ebby Calvin]

Springer and Armstrong both signed.

Nice.

[roadrunner]

Thank God.

[Ebby Calvin]

Footer confirms:
Astros have signed 1st round pick OF George Springer and 3rd rounder RHP Jack Armstrong. Astros have signed top 13 picks and 35 of 50.

[Jacksonian]

Looks like the high schoolers who haven't signed, won't.

[Navin R Johnson]

Springer agrees to terms with Astros for $2.525MM...

[Jacksonian]

Springer agrees to terms with Astros for $2.525MM...

Reasonable for #11 from the Astros point of view.

[Ebby Calvin]

Callis: #Mariners get No. 2 pick Hultzen: 5 yrs, $8.5m guarantee, $6.35m bonus, max value $10.6m
Wow.

[Jacksonian]

Callis: #Mariners get No. 2 pick Hultzen: 5 yrs, $8.5m guarantee, $6.35m bonus, max value $10.6m
Wow.

Astros at #1 next year is scary money.  Should be a college guy.

[Ebby Calvin]

More from Footer:
Wade: "With two minutes, 15 seconds left, we finally got our first-round draft pick signed. Literally."

[Jacksonian]

If I am reading this right every 1st rounder (not supp) signed.

[Jacksonian]

If I am reading this right every 1st rounder (not supp) signed.

Whoops.  Except Beede.  Going to Vandy rather than sign with the Jays.

[Navin R Johnson]

brianmctaggart Brian McTaggart
Source: George Springer got $2.525 million and Jack Armstrong $750,000 from Astros

[Ebby Calvin]

No confirmation, but Footer says Tri-City likely for both Springer and Armstrong.

[Jacksonian]

No confirmation, but Footer says Tri-City likely for both Springer and Armstrong.

More like a layover for what's left of the season.

[astrosfan76]

Astros at #1 next year is scary money.  Should be a college guy.

Depends on whether slotting is implemented, to what degree, and the talent available.  Someone will likely step up, but where would next year's #1 fit into this year's class?  That could all play role into how much club doles out.

[Reuben]

Depends on whether slotting is implemented, to what degree, and the talent available.  Someone will likely step up, but where would next year's #1 fit into this year's class?  That could all play role into how much club doles out.

What's Hal Newhouser up to these days?

[MusicMan]

What's Hal Newhouser up to these days?

Hate you.

[astrosfan76]

BA has their draft report cards out.  They're behind the paywall, but the mobile site shows most of the content as a preview.  The position player portion was basically them talking about how good Springer is, who was rated as the best pure hitter, best power hitter (Davidson was also mentioned), fastest runner (Reynolds was also mentioned), and defensive player.  The best praise he received, though, was that "his overall tools packages resembles that of Matt Kemp."  Granted, that's not saying he'll date Rhianna or anything, but that is a terrific player to be compared to.  Oh, and in the chat wrap, Callis thinks Singleton is an even better bet to hit.

[Lefty]

BA has their draft report cards out.  They're behind the paywall, but the mobile site shows most of the content as a preview.  The position player portion was basically them talking about how good Springer is, who was rated as the best pure hitter, best power hitter (Davidson was also mentioned), fastest runner (Reynolds was also mentioned), and defensive player.  The best praise he received, though, was that "his overall tools packages resembles that of Matt Kemp."  Granted, that's not saying he'll date Rhianna or anything, but that is a terrific player to be compared to.  Oh, and in the chat wrap, Callis thinks Singleton is an even better bet to hit.

OK, fuck all the pundits.  Now what?

[Reuben]

If Singleton and Springer both reach their ceilings, I will be very very happy. Looking forward to seeing what those guys do in AA and A, respectively, next year.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Just for clarification, is he consider best hitter, etc in our system or at that level, all teams considered?

[Reuben]

Just for clarification, is he consider best hitter, etc in our system or at that level, all teams considered?

or BEST HITTER EVER IN THE WORLD?

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

or BEST HITTER EVER IN THE WORLD?

YTIFY

[astrosfan76]

Just for clarification, is he consider best hitter, etc in our system or at that level, all teams considered?

Best in our '11 draft, each team has a separate report. He'd rate among the overall leaders in some of those categories, but I'd imagine Rendon would be best pure hitter, Cron best power, and I have no clue about fielder and runner. But, next year, our #1 pick will be a combination of '04 Ichiro, '27 Ruth, and '68 Gibson. Yep, he will be that good.

[MusicMan]

But, next year, our #1 pick will be a combination of '04 Ichiro, '27 Ruth, and '68 Gibson. Yep, he will be that good.

And then he'll tear both ACLs.

[astrosfan76]

And then he'll tear both ACLs.

Nope, he'll be the epitome of health and longevity that baseball hasn't seen since Barry Bonds retired.

[astrosfan76]

Jack Armstrong out for the season after having TJ surgery two weeks ago. 

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120507&content_id=30640772&notebook_id=30640774&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou

[Navin R Johnson]

Wasn't he injured in college too?

[jbm]

Yes, he was always injured in college.  I think he held out and got above slot from the club, IIRC.  Something about him having a first round arm or something.

Thanks for the link.  I was just wondering earler today what was up with him.  

[roadrunner]

Well that blows.

[Navin R Johnson]

Yes, he was always injured in college.  I think he held out and got above slot from the club, IIRC.  Something about him having a first round arm or something.
 

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2011/09/06/baseball-jupiters-jack-armstrong-signs-with-houston-astros/

"Armstrong, drafted 99th overall by the Houston Astros in the June MLB Draft, elected to sign with the Astros instead of return for his senior year at Vandy. His signing bonus is $750,000, according to Baseball America. "

[juliogotay]

Well that blows.

I see from that piece that Velasquez is still not pitching after TJ in 2010. He is to report to short-season ball this summer.

[jbm]

I see from that piece that Velasquez is still not pitching after TJ in 2010. He is to report to short-season ball this summer.

I just read that as he is already probably throwing, but they just wanted to start him in short season.  Makes sense, since his last outing was against high school competition. 

[jbm]

Nevermind.  He did pitch in Greeneville.  I thought he got hurt right after signing.