MLB Free Agency: Minnesota Twins keeping tabs on Paul Maholm
By David Miniel
The Minnesota Twins have been searching high and low for guys who can help improve their starting rotation.
So far they’ve added right handed pitchers Phil Hughes and Ricky Nolasco to contracts and have had some ties to Bronso Arroyo, Johan Santana and Matt Garza.
Another guy who appears to be on their radar is former Atlanta Brave, Pittsburgh Pirate and Chicago Cub lefty Paul Maholm.
Maholm who spent the first six of the eight years of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was picked up on a year deal by the Chicago Cubs in 2012. A team that is known for giving pitchers who have either struggled or may be recovering from Tommy John surgery, a second chance at reaching their full potential.
He didn’t do all that bad for the Cubs before he was traded to the Atlanta Braves. A trade that involved outfielding legend Reed Johnson for Arodys Vizcaino and Jaye Chapman.
Maholm finished the 2012 season with a 3.67 ERA and a win/loss of 13-11. After making 26 starts this previous season with the Braves, he posted a 4.41 ERA with 105 strike outs and a win/loss of 10-11 through 153 innings of work.
He could land another one year contract which could turn result in an additional year or two depending on the time of season he’s having.
Paul also struck out acting legend Billy Crystal during a Spring Training game against the New York Yankees in 2008.