The Pittsburgh Pirates couldn't find anyone to take Akinori Iwamura off their hands, which is interesting considering the Pirates were most likely looking at picking up the bulk of Iwamura's salary, and have optioned Iwamura to AAA. Iwamura will now have the choice of accepting the option and going to Indianapolis, or declining the option and becoming a free agent. If Iwamura declines the option, he forfeits the remaining amount he is owed by the Pirates, which is currently $2,729,781.
The Pirates have another opportunity to rid themselves of Iwamura's salary if he accepts the option. They could place him on waivers, which would give every team the opportunity to claim him for free. It's unlikely that this will happen, as no team wanted to trade for him, although it would open a spot on the 40-man roster if Iwamura cleared waivers.
There's no need for Iwamura in Pittsburgh with Neil Walker starting at second base, and Andy LaRoche getting work at second, and likely being prepped for a utility role off the bench. At this point, the best thing for the Pirates to do would be to get Iwamura's salary off the books.
The Pirates have another opportunity to rid themselves of Iwamura's salary if he accepts the option. They could place him on waivers, which would give every team the opportunity to claim him for free. It's unlikely that this will happen, as no team wanted to trade for him, although it would open a spot on the 40-man roster if Iwamura cleared waivers.
There's no need for Iwamura in Pittsburgh with Neil Walker starting at second base, and Andy LaRoche getting work at second, and likely being prepped for a utility role off the bench. At this point, the best thing for the Pirates to do would be to get Iwamura's salary off the books.
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