Alaniz...

[pots]

Don't see any discussion on him anywhere yet.  But if Heck is excited, then my interest is peaked.

http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/08/astros-excited-about-signing-of-alaniz-a-non-drafted-free-agent.html

[OregonStrosFan]

Some interesting info on him from Rio Grand Valley sports (RGVsports.com): LINK

Ironically, Alaniz was not known for his pitching prowess in high school and only really began pitching seriously this past season during his senior year at Juarez-Lincoln.

“He was really known as an outfielder who would pitch on occasion,” said Juarez-Lincoln head baseball coach Mike Garza about Alaniz.

“Before this past season began, RJ said he wanted to pitch more, so we started working him into the position. He’s a great athlete so I knew that if he continued to work at it he had the ability to pitch in college. But to go pro this fast after not really pitching very long is just incredible,” Garza added.

Alaniz said that his height drew a lot of attention but also admitted that his 95-mph fastball didn’t hurt either.

[OregonStrosFan]

Nothing new (info-wise) from BA, but here is what Callis said in response to a question about him (and about potential additional Astros draftee signings).  LINK

Re: I had Alaniz’ name on a looooooooong follow list of Texas HS pitchers for the draft but he didn’t catch my attention (or anyone else’s for that matter). All I know is what I read today, that he’s a 6-foot-4 righthander who can touch 95 mph. Sounds like a great sign for $160,000. Don’t think the Astros are going to do much more in the draft. They’ve signed 24 of their top 25 picks.

Posted by Jim Callis | August 15, 2009 at 10:07 pm

[Mike S.]

According to McTaggert's post, the Astros have signed 25 of their top 26 picks picks.  I'm assuming this means Matthew Watson is signed?  OSF, he's still listed as unsigned in your latest list, but since he was taken in the 26th round, and if McTaggert is correct, he must be with the Astros - or am I missing something blatantly obvious like basic math.

Really hoping that Peavey is one of those guys with whom Heck said the Astros are still negotiating.

[Hornstros]

According to McTaggert's post, the Astros have signed 25 of their top 26 picks picks.  I'm assuming this means Matthew Watson is signed?  OSF, he's still listed as unsigned in your latest list, but since he was taken in the 26th round, and if McTaggert is correct, he must be with the Astros - or am I missing something blatantly obvious like basic math.

McTaggert is accurate.   There was a third round supplemental pick which the Stros got for not signing Chase Davidson last year.   That's where we took Jonathan Meyer.  Through 25 rounds of drafting the Stros made 26 picks

[Mike S.]

Thanks.  Completely forgot Meyer was a supplemental pick.  As I said, missed something blatantly obvious.  Hate it when that happens.