Word from the South Bend Tribune that the Astros have signed 33rd round pick, RHP Brendan Stines from Ball State University.
"To be honest, I wasn't sure if I was going to hear my name being called at all. I was a little nervous the whole time, but once I finally did, I was definitely both happy and relieved. I owe a lot to all of the coaches that helped me out along the way, I'm grateful because they made it possible for me to get the opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing pro baseball.
It doesn't matter to me if they use me as a starter or reliever. The way I perform on the mound when called upon will determine how much pitching time I get. That's why I'm going out there with an open mind, ready to show off my stuff and have some fun. I'm really looking forward to working a real job now, although it's not really a job to me. All of these years, I played this game for free, so it's really going to be weird when I do get that first paycheck."
That makes three picks - that I've counted so far - the Astros have signed: Stines, 5th rounder Brendan Wikoff, and 11th rounder David Williams.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
