One of the neat series that MLB Trade Rumors, a site that I cannot recommend highly enough, did over the past couple of months was a review of every team's highest paid bonuses to amateur players. Here's the Astros list:
↵Ariel Ovando, $2.6-2.8MM (2010)
Delino DeShields Jr., $2.15MM (2010)
Chris Burke, $2.125MM (2001)
Jason Castro, $2.07MM (2008)
Max Sapp, $1.4MM (2006)
It was definitely nice to see the Astros pull out the checkbook for their draft this year. Particularly considering the fact that they were still spending an awful lot on the major league level on a lot of mediocrities.
↵That list sure isn't that impressive talent-wise though, is it? I mean, it's way too early to tell with those top two, but Castro definitely didn't look ready for the bigs last year and Sapp and Burke were both washouts as MLB contributors. Except of course for the 18th inning home run, which was probably worth $2.125 MM all on it's own.
↵