There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Pirates starting pitcher, Paul Maholm and his future here in Pittsburgh. The trade deadline is a little over six weeks away and the question is what are the Pirates going to do with him? Trade or keep him? I say, keep him.
Maholm is having his best season yet since joining the Pirates in 2005. With an ERA of 3.12, he’s the second best left handed pitcher in the MLB, next the Cole Hamels of the Phillies. His shutout performances have sparked national interest. Currently, he’s worth $6.25 million, but the Pirates would have no trouble at all if they did decide to trade him. He’d be scooped up in a second from the highest bidder looking for a good pitcher. A good left handed pitcher.
The Pirates had better act fast. If they lose him, they lose a front runner in what has been their best season in 18 years. The crowds have been record setting, obviously not every night, but enough to cause attention. It’s because this team has been working hard and getting wins. Paul Maholm is a huge part of that. What’s the old adage? Oh yeah-“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
That’s just the stats. But another reason I’d like to see Maholm stick around is because he’s also an all-around good guy and a great addition to Pittsburgh. His charitable contributions, including his on-going involvement with Gilda’s Club, a place where those with cancer and their families go and hang out with others facing the same issues, are, to me, an invaluable benefit of having him here.
Plus, and laugh if you must, he wears my favorite number, so, maybe I’m a little bias.
While, I don’t know what GM, Neal Huntington is going to do come July 31st; I know what I would do.
KEEP him!
by Lori Pometo
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