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Indianapolis Indians

Bixler Also Headed to Triple-A All-Star Game

July 10, 2008 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Indians infielder Brian Bixler has been added to the International League roster for Wednesday's Triple-A All-Star Game at Louisville Slugger Field. The 21st annual contest will be televised live on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. EDT.

"Brian is certainly deserving of this recognition," Tribe Manager Trent Jewett says. "Brian has an interesting and unusual mix of power, speed and agility. He's a threat with the long ball, he can bunt, he can steal a base, and he's very versatile defensively.

"Brian's head is always in the game and his effort is tremendous. He's a great person and the type of player you pull for. I don't think there's a player or staff member in this clubhouse who doesn't truly like Brian."

Bixler owns a .273 batting average, .474 slugging percentage, .343 on-base percentage, 23 runs, six homers, 23 RBI and nine stolen bases through 42 Triple-A games.

Bixler hit .175 in 34 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates from April 6-May 25. The 25-year-old earned his first big league promotion after former Major League All-Star Jack Wilson suffered a strained left calf on April 3.

"I'm sure Brian learned a lot during his seven-week stint in Pittsburgh," Jewett adds. "It's always encouraging when the organization trusts a player at the Major League level, even if it's on an interim basis.

"Brian is not afraid to work. He's very accountable for his actions on and off the field. Players who have been to the big leagues once are usually hungry to go back. I'm sure that'll be the case with Brian."

Bixler, who played in the 2007 Triple-A All-Star Game at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, N.M., becomes the Tribe's second All-Star selection after outfielder Andrew McCutchen was given the nod last week.

A native of Sandusky, Ohio, Bixler was recognized as the Indians' 2007 Most Valuable Player after registering a .274 BA, .396 SLG, .368 OBP, five HR, 51 RBI and 28 SB in 129 contests.

Bixler was ranked by Baseball America as the Pirates' No. 8 prospect heading into the 2008 season. He was also named to the 2007 International League Mid-Season and Postseason All-Star teams.

Indianapolis has now had 10 players invited to the midsummer classic in four seasons as a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate. RHP Mark Corey, LHP Zach Duke, OF Nate McLouth and RHP Ian Snell were given the nod in 2005. LHP Tom Gorzelanny was honored in 2006, while Bixler, RHP Bryan Bullington and UTIL Yurendell de Caster participated in 2007.

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