Pirates Make Roster Moves Under Interim GM

The Pirates don't have an official general manager, but that hasn't stopped the interim GM, Kevan Graves, from making some roster transactions.

Earlier this week the Pittsburgh Pirates gave their fans the news they wanted to hear - they fired General Manager Neil Huntington. But, just because the Pirates don't have a permanent member of their organization calling the shots on personnel, it doesn't change the fact that Major League Baseball has set deadlines for when certain roster moves need to happen. We are up against those deadlines. So, whether it is the interim GM, Kevan Graves, pulling the strings, new team President Travis Williams, Bob Nutting, or a collaboration of the three, the Pirates needed to make some roster transactions this week. 

I'll highlight each of the moves here. There was nothing earth-shattering - mostly routine roster maintenance.

Parker Markel traded to the Dodgers for cash considerations

Parker Markel was selected by the Pirates off waivers at the end of July, and quite frankly did not look like an MLB-caliber pitcher. He pitched 22 innings this season (17 with the Pirates) and gave up 19 earned runs and 43 base runners. Being as that he is 29 years old, he's probably not getting much better.

So, getting something out of Markel, who was never going to be part of the solution to the Pirates' bullpen, is a plus.

Sam Howard claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies

Sam Howard might be a slight upgrade over Parker Markel in the bullpen. He's younger and has slightly better career numbers (in a small sample) than Markel.

I wouldn't expect Howard to carve out much of a role in Pittsburgh. He needs to first show that he is at least a reliable minor league arm.

Francisco Liriano, Melky Cabrera, and Lonnie Chisenhall became free agents

The departures of Liriano and Cabrera, obviously, have more of an impact on the roster in Pittsburgh than the first two moves we discussed. Both of them are aging vets that still have some utility left. If Liriano doesn't get a whole lot of play in free agency, it would be nice to see him come back to Pittsburgh on a smaller deal.

Lonnie Chisenhall became a bit of a Pirate meme as he was a relatively big signing last off-season, but never played a game for the Pirates.

Starling Marte's option was picked up

This was the biggest, and most obvious move. Whether Marte is in Pittsburgh next season or is traded, his $11.5 million option was a no-brainer.

Still waiting on Chris Archer's option

This is another no-brainer. The Pirates gave up too much to get Archer and there is way too much potential in him to not pick up his $8.25 million option.

Archer struggled this season, but a new pitching coach could do him some good. The Pirates have until tomorrow to make a decision on him.

Like I said, nothing earth-shattering, but a few important moves nonetheless. We shouldn't expect anything to happen personnel-wise, outside of required roster maintenance, until the Pirates select a new general manager

Follow Jared on Twitter: @a_piratelife