The 2006 draft has been described by many as a significantly down year for top talent.  Many of this year’s first round picks would have expected to go in the second round or later last year.  Be that as it may the Astros came in with a first round pick for the second year in a row.  Last year they took left-handed pitcher Brian Bogusevic with their first pick.  This year the Astros brain trust talked about wanting to add more lefty hitters and pitchers.

Prior to the draft the Astros added three players to their minor league total.  They signed Ryan Owens from the Citadel as a fifth year senior free agent.  Owens, a left-handed pitcher threw 96 innings allowing 105 hits, 47 earned runs, 41 walks, and struck out 82.  He finished the season with a 4.41 ERA.  Also, the Astros signed two DFE draftees from last year.  Andrew Darnell, round 35, hit .386 in 176 at-bats.  He recorded 68 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple, and 13 home runs.  He walked 20 times and struck out 33 times.  Reid Kelly, round 33, threw 83.2 innings allowing 70 hits, 20 earned runs, and 35 walks while striking out 70.  He finished the season with a 2.15 ERA.
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