Infielders Walker, Bixler do well, but Bucs still send them down

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) -- Infielders Neil Walker and Brian Bixler were reassigned Tuesday to the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor league complex.
Walker looked smooth in making the transition from catcher to third base this spring training. Bixler played well defensively at shortstop and held his own against major league pitching.
"I thought they both did a real nice job," Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said. "They both have very promising futures."
Walker has been in spotlight since 2004, when the Pirates made him their first first-round draft choice from the Pittsburgh area.
The switch-hitter from Pine-Richland High School struggled last year after surgery on his left hand the previous offseason. He hit a combined .271 with five home runs and 38 RBIs in 82 games with Class A Lynchburg and Double-A Altoona.
Walker hit .370 (10-for-27) with two homers in spring training games. The Pirates decided to move Walker to third after catcher Ronny Paulino batted .310 as a rookie last season.
"I feel good over there but I still need some work," Walker said. "That's why I'm going to minor league camp, to get more reps there and play more innings. You can take all the ground balls you want during batting practice, but there is no substitute for the experience you get in game situations. I'm learning something new every day."
Walker is expected to start the season at Altoona, where he played 10 games at the end of last season.
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