Brian Bixler

The Pirates attempted to turn Bixler into a super utilityman capable of playing both center field and the infield last summer, but nothing was super about his performance. With 26 strikeouts in 44 at-bats for the Pirates, Bixler showed that a career minor league line of .282/.355/.403 doesn't necessarily project to useful major league numbers. In 152 career at-bats with Pittsburgh, Bixler has batted .178/.238/.237 with an 8:62 BB:K ratio and only five RBI. At some point, the Pirates figure to say enough is enough with the 27-year-old shortstop. Bixler should remain far, far away from fantasy radars.

Bixler's star faded in 2008 like no other minor leaguer in the Pittsburgh organization last year. Although he participated in the Triple-A All-Star Game and batted .280/.346/.402 in the minors, Bixler hit .157 with the Pirates while driving in just two runs in 108 official at-bats. He stole 23 of 30 bases at Triple-A last year, but the disappointing Bixler attempted only one steal in 50 big-league contests. The Pirates have little depth within the organization at shortstop, giving Bixler another opportunity to make the team as a utility player in 2009.

It was thought that Bixler might see some playing time in Pittsburgh as soon as last September when starting shortstop Jack Wilson's name was bandied about in trade talks last summer. Nothing came of the talks, however, and Bixler was never recalled by the Pirates -- even as a September callup. Bixler possesses a decent bat and good speed, but none of his attributes really stand out. He ended up batting .274 with Triple-A Indianapolis after hitting over .300 for the first half of the season. His 54:131 BB:K ratio does not foretell success. The 25-year-old shortstop stole 28 bases, but Bixler himself has stated that he's not really a big base-stealing threat. Eventually he figures to get a chance in Pittsburgh as the Pirates are almost certain to trade the highly-salaried Wilson at some point. Bixler projects as a complementary player in the majors, possibly as a starter but not much more.