Pirates outright Solis to Triple-A

The Pirates have outrighted catcher Ali Solis to Triple-A.

Solis was claimed off of waivers by Pittsburgh from San Diego last month, and hit .283 in Double-A, where he spent most of the season.

Analysis: Solis' production can pretty much be found anywhere, so this isn't a big deal.

Pirates release Hisanori Takahashi

The Pirates have released pitcher Hisanori Takahashi. Takahashi was due to hit free agency in a few days so this move is just procedural.

Takahashi posted a 5.54 ERA in 50 1/3 innings with the Angels and Pirates in 2012.

Analysis: Takahashi looked very good when he first came up with the Mets a few years ago. He was the definition of a swing-man, and I was sad to see him leave New York. Now he is kind of washed up, and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes back to Japan to finish his career there.

Pirates exercise option for Alvarez, decline Barajas' option

The Pirates have announced that they have exercised the 2013 club option for third baseman Pedro Alvarez, and declined the 2013 option for Rod Barajas.

Alvarez will earn $700k next season, and would have remained under team control through the arbitration process if they declined his option. He had a breakout season in 2012, hitting .244 with 30 home runs and 85 RBI in 149 games. Despite his offensive success, his defense continued to struggle. He led the NL third basemen with 27 errors on the season.

Barajas hit .206 with 11 home runs in 2012, and will receive no buyout instead of the $3.5 million option. Earlier in the season he expressed interest in returning to Pittsburgh, even if a means of taking a slight salary cut to stay.

Analysis: I'll tell you what, keeping Alvarez for only $700k is one heck of a bargain. The guy is slowly developing into a star, and if he can raise his batting average, the Pirates could be looking to sign him to an extension. I don't expect Barajas to remain with the team even though they barely have any catching depth. They currently have Michael McKenry and prospect Tony Sanchez, and neither of them has proven to be any good in the big leagues. Barajas has a decent track record, but will probably look elsewhere for a job.

Pirates outright three to Triple-A

The Pirates have announced that Jeff Clement, Eric Fryer, and Daniel McCutchen have cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A.

Fryer appeared in six games with the Pirates in 2012, serving mostly as catching depth. Clement appeared in 23 games, collecting 3 hits in 24 plate appearances. McCutchen spent most of the 2012 season in Triple-A, posting a 2.98 ERA in 36 appearances.

Analysis: Clement and Fryer are both depth players, but I am surprised that McCutchen cleared waivers. He has a power arm and good minor league stats. The Pirates' bullpen is already stacked, so they will probably not get a chance to play him.

Diamondbacks claim Nunez

The Diamondbacks have claimed shortstop Gustavo Nunez off of waivers from the Pirates.

Nunez hit a combined .273 in Single-A, Double-A and the Gulf Coast League in 2012. Nunez was formerly a semi-top prospect in Detroit's farm system.

Analysis: Alright, Uhh, I suppose this move can't hurt. I don't know why the Pirates would get rid of this kid, because he is still 24 and has upside, and lets be honest, is probably an upgrade over Clint Barmes. The Diamondbacks have little to no shortstop depth, so Nunez may get some playing time if he can get that batting average up.

Pirates claim Ali Solis

The Pirates have claimed catcher Ali Solis off of waivers from the Padres.

Solis spent most of the season in Double-A, hitting .283 in 87 games. He made his MLB debut in September, but it was very brief. He only had four plate appearances, and struck out twice.

Analysis: The Pirates must be really looking for catching depth because Solis doesn't look like anything special. He has age on his side (25 years old), so he might develop into something decent. I still think that the team will give Michael McKenry the everyday job, because he has definitely deserved it.

Pirates claim Chad Beck

The Pirates have claimed pitcher Chad Beck off of waivers from the Blue Jays. Toronto designated Beck for assignment earlier in the week to create 40 man roster space for Bobby Wilson.

Beck spent most of the 2012 season in Triple-A, posting a 1.31 ERA in 48 relief innings.

Analysis: Beck had a great season in the minor leagues and I think this is a decent pick-up. I had a feeling that he would get claimed based on his minor league track record, and I would imagine that that is what Pittsburgh sees in him. The Pirates' bullpen is already strong as it is, so Beck will probably have to fight for a roster spot next spring. 

Slaten refuses outright assignment, becomes free agent

The Pirates announced that left handed pitcher Doug Slaten has refused his outright assignment and will elect free agency.

Slaten appeared in ten games with Pittsburgh in 2012 and spent most of the year in Triple-A, posting a 2.11 ERA in 40 relief appearances.

Analysis: Slaten is a very inconsistent pitcher but I've always thought of him as a power arm out of the bullpen. He tends to dial up his fastball and can definitely present a real threat out there when he is on his A game. Look for him to sign a minor league deal with someone, and I expect that there will be some interest considering that left handed relievers are hard to come by.

Pirates may non-tender Jeff Karstens

Pirates pitcher Jeff Karstens is a non-tender candidate following a rough 2012 season, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Karstens has missed a large chunk of the 2012 season due to several injury problems, but has pitched well when healthy, and GM Neal Huntington appears to have faith in him.

"Jeff gives you everything he has every time he gets the ball" Huntington said.

Despite saying that, Huntington did not seem like he would like to resign Karstens, therefore indicating that he may be non-tendered this off-season. He will earn $3.1 million this season and could obtain a raise if Pittsburgh tenders him a contract. He has posted a 3.97 ERA in 90 2/3 innings as a starter and reliever this season.

Analysis: I don't know if it would be smart to non-tender Karstens. He can be very useful for Pittsburgh, considering that he is willing to resort to a bullpen role to help the team out. He isn't a bad pitcher, and has just had a string of injuries that have kind of derailed his season. If I was Pittsburgh, I would non-tender him (simply because he isn't worth $3.1 million or so) and try to resign him for less money. Rotation depth is always nice to have, especially when you have some unproven starters (Cole, Taillon), climbing up the ranks.

Meek outrighted to Triple-A

The Pirates have announced that pitcher Evan Meek has been outrighted to Triple-A after he cleared waivers this afternoon. Pittsburgh designated him for assignment last week.

Meek has made 12 relief appearances for Pittsburgh this year, but has spent most of the season in Triple-A where has has posted a 2.74 ERA in 46 relief innings.

Analysis: Well this is definitely surprising. Meek had reclamation project all over his name but a team didn't want to take a chance.  Well, anyway, I'll be surprised if the Pirates bring back Meek for the 2013 season. He is arbitration eligible this winter, and will probably be non-tendered due to vast amount of bullpen depth that Pittsburgh has.

Barajas willing to take a pay cut to stay in Pittsburgh

Catcher Rod Barajas has told reporters that he would like to remain in Pittsburgh for the 2013 season, and is willing to take a pay cut in order to do that. Barajas currently has a club option worth $3.5 million for the 2013 season.

" I would like to be back here," Barajas told reporters "If that means we have to try to figure something out, then absolutely."

Pittsburgh could instead chose to look at a few internal options, such as Michael McKenry or former first round pick Tony Sanchez. Barajas has hit .197 this year with 9 homers in 324 plate appearances.

Analysis: Barajas has definitely had a rough season, and his option will not be picked up. He is not worth $3.5 million, especially if he is used in a bench player role. I think that Pittsburgh should either trade for a catcher in the off-season or bring up Tony Sanchez. Sanchez has a ton of upside, but hasn't been able to hit in the top levels on the minor leagues, which is definitely concerning. As for Barajas, I would try to bring him back, just at a very cheap price. I'm thinking along the lines of $1 million or $2 million for a one year deal.

Pirates designate Meek for assignment

The Pirates have designated pitcher Evan Meek for assignment to create roster space for pitcher Rick VandenHurk. Chase D'Arnaud and Bryan Morris have been recalled from Triple-A as well.

Meek has been with Pittsburgh since 2007, and made the 2010 All-Star team. He has made 12 relief appearances with the Pirates in 2012, but has spent most of the season in Triple-A. In Triple-A, he has posted a 2.74 ERA in 46 innings of relief. In five career MLB seasons, he has a 3.34 ERA.

Analysis: Wow. Meek's value has really fallen recently, but I'm really surprised that they designated him for assignment. Meek was once an elite setup man for the Pirates, but injuries have kind of derailed his career. I'm confident that he'll get claimed because of his nice upside. It's odd that Pittsburgh is willing to designate him for assignment to create space for a player like VandenHurk, who is probably not any better/

Tejada outrighted to Triple-A

The Pirates have announced that outfielder Oscar Tejada has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A.

Pittsburgh designated Tejada for assignment earlier in the week after he hit .242 in 221 plate appearances with their Double-A affiliate. The Pirates claimed him off of waivers from Boston in June.

Analysis: Tejada seems like he has a lot of raw ability, but hasn't been able to put it all together. I thought that he would get claimed because he is young (22) and has some upside, but I was wrong.

Pirates designate Tejada for assignment

The Pirates have designated utility man Oscar Tejada for assignment to create roster space for Jeff Clement, who has been recalled from Triple-A.

Tejada was claimed off of waivers by the Pirates in June after he was designated for assignment by the Red Sox after the Kevin Youkilis trade. The 22 year old has hit .253 with eight homers in Double-A this season. He has played a significant amount of time in left field this season, but also has experience at shortstop and second base.

Analysis: Tejada is very young so he might get claimed. His stats aren't really there, but I doubt that a team would pass up putting a claim on a young 22 year old outfielder with some upside. Maybe the Astros would take a shot at him?

Pirates sign Hector Luna

The Pirates have signed Hector Luna. He elected free agency last week after struggling with the Phillies.

He hit 226 with 2 homers in 66 plate appearances with Philadelphia this year.

Analysis: Depth signing. Moving on.

Pirates release Eric Bedard

The Pirates have released pitcher Eric Bedard. Pittsburgh also announced that they will make a related move this afternoon.

Bedard posted a 5.01 ERA in 125 2/3 inning this year with the Bucs. Pittsburgh signed Bedard to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million last off-season, and still owe him about $910k.

Kevin Correia could replace Bedard in the rotation. As you may recall, Correia asked for a trade earlier in the season but GM Neil Huntington held onto him in case a situation like this happened. The Pirates rotation currently consists of A.J. Burnett, James McDonald, Wandy Rodriguez, and Jeff Karstens.

Analysis: Odd move by the Pirates here. I don't understand why you would release a veteran pitcher who could give you a couple spot starts down the stretch. Now I understand that Bedard has been awful lately, but releasing him could have been a little extreme. What if another starting pitcher goes down with an injury? Now that Brad Lincoln is in Toronto, Pittsburgh really doesn't have a pitcher who can make a spot start every here and there. Anyway, as for Bedard, I'm sure that he'll sign with another team. Hopefully he signs soon, because that would make him eligible for post-season play. I'll say that he either signs with the Yankees, Cardinals (as a reclamation project, because we all know that Dave Duncan can fix anyone), or the Dodgers.

Pirates claim Takahashi off of waivers

The Pirates have claimed reliever Hisanori Takahashi off of waivers from the Angels. Takahashi was sent to Triple-A by Los Angeles five days ago.

Takahashi has posted a 4.93 ERA in 42 games with the Angels this year. He signed a two-year, $8 million deal with them after the 2010 season. He is eligible for free agency at the end of the season.

Analysis: Nice pickup for Pittsburgh. Takahashi is a really nice player to have on your club because he can serve as your swingman, making a few spot starts every here and there, and he could serve as a left handed specialist. He has held lefties to a .244 batting average this year, so he is definitely effective against them.

Pirates release Juan Cruz

The Pirates announced that relief pitcher Juan Cruz has cleared waivers and refused an assignment to Triple-A. He will now become a free agent. Pittsburgh designated him for assignment last week.

Cruz pitched well with the Pirates this year, but was designated for assignment because the Pirates needed fresh arms following a 19-inning game with the Cardinals. He posted a 2.78 ERA in 35 2/3 innings this year. He signed a one year, $1.25 million deal with Pittsburgh last off-season.

Analysis: I don't get why Cruz refused to go to Triple-A. Why wouldn't he just go to Triple-A, work on some stuff, and then he would definitely get called up in September when the rosters expand. Anyway, its not like its a big loss for the Pirates because their bullpen is a strength. Cruz will definitely hook on with another team soon so stay tuned.

Pirates designate Cruz for assignment

The Pirates have designated relief pitcher Juan Cruz for assignment. Pitcher Kyle McPherson has been recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Cruz has been very good for the Pirates this season, posting a 2.78 ERA in 35 2/3 innings. He signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal with Pittsburgh last off-season.

Analysis: I'd be very surprised if Cruz clears waivers. He has been very effective for the Pirates this season and Pittsburgh is only designating him for assignment because their bullpen is an asset. They can afford to get rid of Cruz because they have so many good relief pitchers.

Pirates sign McPherson

The Pirates have signed first baseman Dallas McPherson to a minor league deal. McPherson hit .253 with 12 homers in 264 plate appearances in the White Sox's farm system earlier this season.