Courtesy of Alyson Footer, we read that the Astros have claimed Brian Bixler off waivers from the Nationals.
In 79 games - 94 PAs - for the Nationals in 2011, he hit .205/.267/.265, with 19K:7BB, while playing at least one game in LF, CF, RF, 1B, SS, and 3B. So he's defensively versatile, I suppose.
The 29-year old Bixler - the Pirates' 2nd Round pick in 2004 - hit .314/.439/.407 for Washington's Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse in 108 PAs. In five seasons at Triple-A, Bixler has hit .280/.357/.407, with more triples (27) than homers (26).
Interestingly enough, the Pirates gave up on Bixler on January 18, 2010 when they traded him to Cleveland for Jesus Brito. Then decided to take another chance on him on six months later (7/12/10), when they re-acquired him for a Player To Be Named Later. And then Pittsburgh sold him to Washington on August 7, 2010.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
