Deja vu all over again at shortstop

by Ketcham Bruce on Apr 26, 2009 10:43 AM EDT

Last year our beloved elder statesman of the infield, Jack Wilson, went down early in the season and Brian Bixler was called up from Triple -A. Now once again, Wilson's down and Bix is up. In 50 games last season he hit .229/ .194/ .423. With the modest start our PBC has gotten to lets hope he doesn't Munson us into last place. Go Bucs !

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09116/965760-100.stm

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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isn't there a prospect somewhere?

Someone better than bixler? He’s a nice plug-in, but I’m not confident he’s the next starting SS. I mean he’s hardly even managed to make us think Jack’s too old and we need to move on. I mean I know a lot of people thought that years ago, but lets be honest, Jack’s been consistent every year, and plays the position well. Bixler, is a questionable fielder, that has never met his AAA stats in the majors. Isn’t there someone else they can give a shot to?

And if not, why not? Maybe the next trade should be for a SS prospect, or the next pick in the draft. I agree Jack needs to be replaced, but let’s not just dump him for nothing, let’s find someone who’s got some of the wow factor Bixler’s supposed to have and Jack showed us many years ago.

by Pensburgh Pirates on Apr 26, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions

The top SS in this years draft is Grant Green. From what I’ve heard, specifically from Pirate favorite Keith Law, is that he doesn’t hit for power and a lot of scouts don’t think he will play SS in the majors. Doesn’t sound like someone I want in the top 5. We’ll see. Tampa has a few SS prospects and Bartlet in the majors. We also have 2 guys in A ball who look good. Mercer and D’arneaud (too lazy right now to look up spelling). Curious to see how Bixler does as he had a good spring. I just hope Nate gets healthy. Go bucs.

McLouth is The Trouth

by GTrain on Apr 26, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Keith Law

If the Pirates draft Green, he’ll be a bum who should have been a 10th round pick. If the A’s draft him, he’ll be the next Barry Larkin.

Bixler is pretty much auditioning for next year, since they won’t exercise Wilson’s option. If the audition doesn’t go well, they’ll have to hope Brian Friday gets healthy and continues hitting the way he was before the inner ear infection.

by WTM on Apr 26, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

That's not entirely fair.

Law was on the record as not loving Pedro months before we took him. Though I agree that he’s a bit knee-jerk about the team’s moves sometimes.

by Vlad on Apr 27, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions

D'Arnaud

His brother Travis is a pretty decent catching prospect in Philly’s system.

by Vlad on Apr 27, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Our upper-minors MI depth is crap.

That’s why we carpet-bombed 2B/SS with picks in last year’s draft. Unfortunately, none of those guys will be ready for a couple of years, so for 2009 it’s Bixler and Cruz (plus maybe Ford if we need a 2B), and that’s it.

by Vlad on Apr 27, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Bixler Will Do Just Fine

He had an adjustment period early last season, but as we have discussed before, the Pirate record in games started by Bixler was as good, or better, than the games started by Wilson.

Wilson’s value to the Pirates is not $7 million more than Bixler’s.

Keep watchin.

by thegunner on Apr 26, 2009 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

I think Bixler will do fine as well. And to be fair it should be mentioned that many of Bixler’s “wins” came while the team still had Nady and Bay hitting.

I made most of my life decisions at a Foghat concert... I stand by them.

by Chester J Lampwick on Apr 26, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep.

Context is everything.

by Vlad on Apr 27, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Brian Friday was OK in high A last year and got off to a really hot start in AA before going on the DL with an ear infection. He’s probably the shortstop prospect who’s closest to the majors.

by shayborg on Apr 26, 2009 4:44 PM EDT reply actions