Scouting Report Paul Maholm

The 28-year old LHP (turns 29 later this month), is in his 7th major league season, and is considered the Pirates "ace", but its more out of necessity than that he has the stuff to be a #1 starter. His career record is skewed because he hasn't played for a team that's ever finished .500, 49-66, with a 4.39 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. His best season was in 2008, when he posted a 3.71 ERA. He was a far cry from that in the 2nd half of last year, when his fastball barely topped 85 mph, and his ERA finished at 5.10

Maholm has a deceptive delivery and throws from a high 3/4s arm action. He used to throw 87-90 mph, but his average fastball is 87.6 mph, down from 89.5 in 2009. He has a plus change-up (17.5%, 82 mph), an above-average slider (13%, 81 mph), and a slow curve-ball (72 mph). His two best pitches this year are his slider and change-up.

This year, he is 2-7 (11 starts, 70 2/3 innings), with a 3.18 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. His K/9 rate is at a career high (6.11), and his BB/9 is average at 3.18. He limits HRs, and is a ground-ball pitcher. He throws 1st pitch fastball 63%.

For his career against the Mets, Maholm is 3-3 (8 starts, 45 innings), with a 4.60 ERA and 1.60 WHIP, He got hit around last year in his lone start versus the Mets in September, 3 2/3 innings, 7 hits, 7 runs (only 2 earned), 2 walks and one lone strike out.