Astros claim shortstop-utility player Bixler off waivers
The Astros claimed Nationals bench player Brian Bixler off waivers. Bixler plays almost every position on the field, getting the most experience in the outfield and shortstop. The 29 year old Bixler has a strange offensive pattern of good production in the minors but poor batting at the major league level. Reportedly he is a good fielder who runs well. But his sub-.600 OPS last year with the Nats doesn't speak well for his bat. Bixler has been exchanged among ML organizations a number of times. He was released from the Nationals in 2010 to make room for Anderson Hernandez---who is also in the Astros' organization now.
7 months ago
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He seems to strikeout quite a bit, but comparing his Minor League numbers to Angel Sanchez he may prove to be a slight upgrade over Sanchez.
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by Timothy De Block on Nov 3, 2011 2:27 PM CDT reply actions
A slight upgrade over Angel is a good thing. I will take it.
by conroestro on Nov 3, 2011 2:37 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
his minor league numbers are an upgrade
His major league numbers are not.
by lawson3 on Nov 3, 2011 2:41 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
basing analysis on 260 PA is a bad idea.
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by Timothy De Block on Nov 3, 2011 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I like his minor league numbers
He’s in his prime years so there’s that at least…anybody know a comparison defensively?
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 3, 2011 2:39 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
He doesn’t have enough innings at a single position to make the advanced fielding metrics reliable, and I haven’t seen much of his fielding myself. This fanshot links to the Federalist fan blog, and they seem to like his defense. They talk about “the catch” he made in extra innings against the Phillies. That appears to be an outfield catch. If I were guessing what to expect, he sounds like he could be a similar defender to Eric Bruntlett when he was in his prime as a utility player with the Astros.
…just checked out the link again, and there are a couple of corrections. It The Federals Baseball blog, the catch was in the 9th inning, and for your enjoyment the blog has a video of his catch.
Did you put a link in or am I blind?
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 3, 2011 2:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
click the title
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by Timothy De Block on Nov 3, 2011 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions
My bad
You meant the headline…I thought you pointed it out in the comments…der da dur…
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 3, 2011 2:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Those dicks really hit some low blows (but I still laughed)
“Maybe he’ll do better again now that he’s back with a minor league team.”
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 3, 2011 3:02 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Did you notice the fanshot (Oh no! Bixler!) on that blog, which seemed to be upset that the Astros “stole” Bixler. However, I couldn’t tell if they were feigning being upset or not.
I took it as sarcasm
Kind of like if somebody took Figueroa from us…OH NO!!!
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 3, 2011 3:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
If "the Catch" is the one highlighted in the McTaggart blog
(one of the smaller screens on the right)
He badly misplayed the ball ( Turned the wrong way and was about ten feet off line forcing him to make a desperate lunge to catch the ball.
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by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 4, 2011 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, yeah, it’s the same catch. The line drive was slicing away from him and he got turned around. But he did make a terrific recovery. I notice that McTaggert’s blog also has a nice throw from shortstop on video. But it’s ironic that the video of Bixler’s offensive highlight is a RBI single where the bat gets sawed in half.
Honestly.
If it keeps Paredes at 3B I’m cool with that. If Sanchez keeps Paredes off SS I’m also cool with that.
Yes and no
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by Patrick Harrel on Nov 3, 2011 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I’d rather suffer a year of Sanchez, than have Paredes screwed up over this BS. Of course, I really don’t want Sanchez on the team, but anything to keep Paredes off short.
Leave Paredes at 3rd please! He struggled with his footwork around 2nd while playing SS
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Does this mean no more Sanchez?
From what it sounds like he could be a big upgrade as far as versatility. He may be a great guy to have on the end of the bench even if he doesn’t hit well just because of his ability to play all over the field. Since he could play anywhere in the infield, whereas Sanchez is very limited in his ability especially at short, could that open up a spot for Wallace so they could platoon him with Lee?
I’m sure it will all come down to spring training performance but I just thought it may be a possibility.
That would be ugly
I was assuming Downs would be back. I guess if Paredes is in AAA or Barmes is gone he starts though. If its Downs and one of those guys it won’t be awful. At least Bixler has a little speed.
by maroonedTexan on Nov 3, 2011 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
it may mean
no more Clint Barmes
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 4, 2011 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Thats a scary thought.
We made need to borrow some bleach from the guys over at Battle Red Blog.
by maroonedTexan on Nov 4, 2011 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Insert facepalm here
Yet another minor league talent on the only mlb club that will put him in the majors. My god, I hate the “R” word. Still a fan, and always will be.
by HTown80 on Nov 3, 2011 11:32 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
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