Maholm established career highs in starts (31), innings pitched (206.1) and strikeouts (139) in his third full season
with Pittsburgh in 2008. He ranked third among National League lefthanders in innings pitched and posted the ninth-lowest
ERA (3.11) among all pitchers in the league from May 31 through the end of the season. In addition, Maholm
pitched 6.0 innings or more in 20 straight starts from May 8 through August 24 and in 26 of his 31 starts overall.
“We are pleased to reach agreement on a contact that gives us the ability to keep Paul Maholm in a Pirates uniform
through the 2012 season,” said Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington. “Paul took a big step forward in 2008 and became a very consistent and
reliable starting pitcher. He exhibits many of the positive attributes the Pirates seek in players and we look forward
to him playing a major role in our success moving forward.”
The 26-year-old Maholm was originally selected by Pittsburgh in the first round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft;
the eighth overall pick in the draft. He made his Major League debut with the Pirates in 200 and has made a total
of 96 starts in over three seasons with Pittsburgh.