On Thurday, the Houston Astros signed nine more draftees, including the SEC Player of the Year Tony Kemp and eighth rounder Jason Martin.
Some of the names we already knew and some we didn't. Here's the complete list of today's signees, with the Astros affiliate they are ticketed for:
5.1 (137): Tony Kemp, 2B, Vanderbilt (Tri-City)
8.1 (227): Jason Martin, CF, Orange Lutheran HS (GCL Astros)
23.1 (677): Thomas Lindauer, SS, University of Illinois Champaign (Tri-City)
25.1 (737): Albert Minnis, LHP, Wichita State (Tri-City)
26.1 (767): William Chrismon, RHP, East Carolina (NC) (Greeneville)
27.1 (797): Patrick Christensen, RHP, La Salle University (Tri-City)
29.1 (857): Randall Fant, LHP, Arkansas (Tri-City)
32.1 (947): Zach Morton, RHP, Northwestern (Tri-City)
40.1 (1187): Tyler Brunneman, RHP, Hardin Simmons University (Greeneville)
Here's what Elias had to say about Martin, who becomes the third top 10 pick to sign so far:
"Jason has what we call a ‘strong profile' for a center fielder - he's fast, he's a left-handed hitter, he works good at-bats and he can hit - all ingredients to develop into a prototypical leadoff man one day," said Elias. "He impressed our scouting staff this spring with his consistent and energetic play and is only 17 years old, so we are looking forward to watching him grow and advance in our system."
Houston has now signed 13 of the 40 picks, with only two of those left publicly saying they will not sign.