The Pirates on Thursday locked up another of their core players, coming to terms on a three-year contract with pitcher Paul Maholm.
Financial terms of the deal, which was confirmed yesterday by an industry source, were not immediately available. The contract buys out all of Maholm's arbitration-eligible years and includes a club option for 2012, which would be his first year of free agency. Maholm is in Pittsburgh today for a physical, after which the deal will be finalized. Team officials refused to comment on the deal until a formal announcement is made this afternoon.
"We're optimistic something can be finalized," general manager Neal Huntington said. "It would be another great step forward for this organization."
Maholm, who yesterday was en route from his home in Mississippi, was unavailable for comment. His agent, Bo McKinnis, did not return a phone call.
The Pirates also are putting the finishing touches on a one-year, $1.5 million contract with free agent Eric Hinske.
"We're working through some final things," Huntington said.
Hinske, 31, can play first base, third base and both corner outfield spots. Last season, he hit .247 with 20 home runs and 60 RBI for Tampa Bay.
Hinske was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2002.
By coming to terms with Maholm, the Pirates avoided a potentially messy arbitration hearing. Maholm asked for a salary of $3.8 million, and the team offered $2.65 million. The hearing had been scheduled for Feb. 10.
Last season, Maholm had a team-high nine victories and a 3.71 ERA. The left-hander set career highs in starts, innings pitched and strikeouts.
The Pirates' lone unsigned player is center fielder Nate McLouth. His arbitration hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17.
Management has approached McLouth about a multiyear contract, but negotiations quickly reached a stalemate.
