Jay Bruce, Travis Snider, Daric Barton,

Brett Gardner, Brian Bixler Update

Brian Bixler

Pirates SS/2nd baseman Brian Bixler is continuing to put up solid numbers in AAA Indianapolis. Brian has a line of .287/.387/.426. The relatively decent slugging percentage is made up mostly of doubles (19) & triples (9), more so than HR (5). Bixler has also improved upon his stolen base ratio, as he is 23/27 in SBA. Currently there is no place within the Pirates line-up for Bixler to start (Sanchez & Wilson) but I would think he’d be a better utility option than Jose Castillo. The flexibility of Sanchez defensively may give Bixler an opening in 2008. I’d expect a September call-up at the least for this prospect.

Daric Barton

Daric has yet to hit his 22nd birth date (born Aug 16th, 1985), yet he still may force the A’s hand and work his way onto MLB roster before the season is out. A converted catcher, Barton has a line of .309/.401/.459. Just as Bixler, the majority of Barton’s
slugging consists of doubles (33) & triples (5), as he’s hit only 5 HR. I figure that this is the sticking point in his development, as the A’s would like to see Barton generate more long balls. Plate discipline is what sets Barton apart from other prospects, as he’s walked (59) more times than he’s struck out (53). If the A’s are able to unload anyone during the waiver wire period, Barton could receive an early call-up to Oakland.

Jay Bruce

We touched on Bruce last week (link) and he just keeps on moving along. His AAA average is now up to .314 and he’s hit 7 HR in only 86 AB. His OPS of 1.018 can’t be ignored, and this 21 year old could be on his way to the show anytime now.

Travis Snider

After a torrid April (.405 AVG), Snider has slowed, posting averages of .295, .244, & .282 in the preceding three months. At only 20 years of age, no one is panicking at this point, although his recent performance may put a snag on promoting him quickly throughout the system. His full year line is impressive nonetheless, at .302/.370/.482. Like the rest of the prospects here doubles (25) & triples (6) drive the slugging percentage, with 8 HR.

Brett Gardner

Selected in the third round of the 2005 draft, Garnder has shot up the Yankees system and now resides in AAA Scranton. (it always sounds weird to say AAA Scranton instead of Columbus). After swiping 58 bags between two levels last season, Gardner has missed a large amount of time this season due to a hand injury, along with running into an outfield fence. In 54 games at AA Trenton, Brett hit an even .300, walked (33) more than
he struck out (32) and stole 18 bases in 22 opportunities. The downside to his game is his complete lack of HR power, as he has failed to launch even one HR in over 700 minor league ABs.

With his speed and plate discipline, Brett could turn into a good leadoff hitter at the MLB level in the near future, although whether this is with the Yankees or not remains to be seen. At the very least, I’d expect Gardner to get a September call-up to serve as a pinch runner. He is also known as a strong defensive outfielder with limited arm strength.