BRIAN BIXLER

10/22/82; '04 2nd; Eastern Michigan Univ.
R/R; 6-1, 188

Level	BA	OBP	SA	AB	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	SB	CS
2002 NCAA	.320	.389	.584	231	12	5	13	20	38	17	6
2003 NCAA	.322	.430	.491	230	8	2	9	38	38	16	5
2004 NCAA	.453	.519	.659	243	18	3	8	35	43	31	7
2004 A-	.276	.321	.342	228	7	4	0	15	51	14	5

Bixler is somewhat of a departure for the Pirates, who have not taken many position players early in the draft under Dave Littlefield and have emphasized defense when they've done so. Their primary interest in him appears to have been his speed, which is reportedly very good. In a way this was not a departure for them, because they've consistently appeared to value speed over hitting. Although Bixler was second in the nation in batting average in 2004, there have been reservations about his hitting since he hit .120 in the wood-bat Cape Cod League in 2003. Those reservations may have been justified, as he did not have a good debut in the NY-P League. He eventually got his average up to respectability, but he showed little power and didn't draw many walks. He also fanned a lot, which taken with the lack of walks and power isn't a good sign. He was regarded at the time of the draft as at least capable defensively, but he was very shaky with the glove at Williamsport, committing 16 errors in 59 games. It's still very early in his pro career, however, and he'll probably have a chance to recover as the SS at Hickory.

Return to Shortstops