The Astros are optimistic about reaching a contract agreement with first overall pick Mark Appel.
"They had something worked out that they felt comfortable," owner Jim Crane said. "They certainly worked hard at it and looked at a lot of guys.
"I think they wanted to get a pitcher, and they felt he was the best one. Hopefully we get some more quality in the back side of the draft. Jeff [Luhnow's] very good at that. If you look at some of those guys that he's got playing for the Cardinals, they went in the 20th round."