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The Houston Astros continue to lock up their 2011 MLB Draft picks. After signing three on Wednesday, Thursday saw five more come under contract, including fifth round Stony Brook starter Nick Tropeano. Steve Campbell of The Houston Chronicle broke the story.

Scouting director Bobby Heck on Thursday announced the signing of righthanded pitchers Nick Tropiano (Round 5) and Blake Ford (44), first baseman Chase Davidson (41) and outfielders Andrew Muren (22) and Chris Epps (45).

That means the Astros have eight players from the 2011 class under contract already, and many more look like they’re unofficially done. Major hat tip to Astros County for rounding up the majority of these links:

-According to the Winston-Salem Journal, sixth rounder Brandon Culbreth has signed for $150,000 and a fund for further college education.
-23rd rounder Ruben Sosa looks like he’ll sign with the Astros in short order.
-31st rounder Jarrod McKinney’s college coach expects him to sign with Houston.
-33rd rounder Dominique Taylor probably will not sign with the Astros.