TROY -- Do the Tri-City ValleyCats need pitching  help? Hard to say after just nine innings and a 3.00 earned run average but nevertheless, the 'Cats got some big help prior to tonight's  game with the Vermont Lake Monsters.
    The Houston Astros signed their No. 2 pick in the June 6 draft, Andrew Thurman, and assigned the big right-hander to the ValleyCats.
   Thurman, 21, worked out at with the Astros at Houston's Minute Maid Park on Monday.
   He posted a 3.23 earned run average with 91 strikeouts in 100 innings during his senior year at UCalifornia-Irvine.
  "Andrew us a big addition to our growing stable of pitching prospects in our system," said Astros Director of Amateur Scouting. "He features a very effective four-pitch mix, reach the mid-90 (mph) with his fastball, has a durable build and repeatable delivery. The ingredients are present for him to develop into a high-quality major league starter, and with his long track record of success and advanced feel for pitching, we expect he will hit the ground running this summer."
    Thurman had an 18-10 career record and 3.19 ERA in the Pacific 12 Conference, a top hitter's conference.
   The Astros have also signed their 33rd-round pick, first baseman Tyler White from Western Carolina University, who's expected to join the ValleyCats as well.
   He hit .363 this past season, with 27 doubles, 16 homers and 63 runs batted in.