Astros sign nine additional draft picks

The Houston Astros announced today the signing of nine selections from the 2013 MLB First Year Player Draft: 2B Tony Kemp (5th round), CF Jason Martin (8th round), SS Thomas Lindauer (23rd round), LHP Albert Minnis (25th round), RHP William Chrismon (26th round), RHP Pat Christensen (27th round), LHP Randall Fant (29th round), RHP Zachary Morton (32nd round) and RHP Tyler Brunnemann (40th round). Contract terms were not disclosed. The announcement was made by Astros Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Elias.

Kemp, 21, becomes the Astros highest selection to sign since last weekend's draft. A second baseman out of Vanderbilt, Kemp was this year's SEC Player of the Year after leading the SEC in batting average, on-base percentage, runs and stolen bases. He was also a first-team All-American and finished his season ranking second in the NCAA in hits and 13th in batting average. Kemp was signed by Astros Area Scout Nick Venuto.

"Tony has been the spark atop the Vanderbilt lineup the past few years and we are thrilled to add him to the Astros organization," said Elias. "He has been a success everywhere he has played and brings energy, game-changing speed and defensive versatility to the field every day. He has excited our scouts all year and we expect Astros fans will feel the same when they see him play."

Martin, 17, is the first high school player to sign with Houston. He played last year at Orange Lutheran HS in California and was named a Rawlings Third Team All-American and to the California All-Region First Team. Martin was signed by Astros Area Scout Brad Budzinski.

"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."

The Astros have signed 13 of their 40 draft picks this season.