Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates today re-acquired shortstop Brian Bixler from the Cleveland Indians in-exchange for cash considerations.
Bixler, 27, was selected by the Pirates in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft. Once considered the Pirates top shortstop prospect in their system, the 27 year old infielder has failed to make any impact at the MLB level and has spent most of his career in the minor leagues.
Bixler was batting .278 with 3 home runs and 27 RBI’s in 64 games this season with Triple-A Columbus, the Cleveland Indians top minor league affiliate. Bixler appeared in 18 games with the Pirates in 2009, batting .227 before being traded to Cleveland this past off-season.
Bixler has been assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Meanwhile, the Pirates made two roster moves involving two of their top pitching prospects.
The Pirates today demoted pitching prospect Tim Alderson to Single-A Bradenton. Alderson, was 7-5 with a 5.30 ERA for Double-A Indianapolis.
Alderson who was the San Francisco Giants first round pick in 2007, was acquired last July in the Freddy Sanchez trade.
Since being drafted by San Francisco, Alderson has lost velocity on his fastball and his off-speed pitches. His fastball has plummeted to the mid 80’s and serious concerns have arised from scouts who once regarded Alderson as one of the top pitching prospects.
The other big news of the afternoon is the promotion of pitching prospect Jeff Locke, who has been promoted to Double-A Altoona.
Locke, 22, is 9-3 with a 3.54 ERA for the Bradenton Marauders. Locke was acquired last June as apart of the Nate McLouth trade.
