In a not-so-shocking validation of the idea that despite it being illegal to talk about deals before players are drafted, teams do it all the time anyway, the Astros have signed three of their draft picks less than a day after the 2011 MLB Draft ended. Astros Examiner Stephen Goff broke the news:
In addition to signing Lamar University standout right-hander Blake Ford (44th round), the Houston Astros announced Wednesday night that two more picks -- Santa Fe Community College (Fla.) left-hander Chris Lee (fourth round) and Clemson infielder John Hinson (13th round) -- have agreed to terms after being selected on Day 2 of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.
The three picks will likely be headed to the Astros rookie ball affiliates, either the GCL Astros or the Greeneville Astros in the Appalachian League. Lee will almost undoubtedly head to Greeneville, while Hinson should wind up either there or, more aggressively, with the Low A Lexington Legends.
Should be interesting to see what the terms look like, as not many had Lee ticketed as a fourth round pick and he could be a nice "signability" guy.