October 21, 2008 The Pirates hired Jim Kerrigan as their new pitching coach on Monday, the AP reports.
Our View:Kerrigan seems like a solid choice. He has been a pitching coach for the Expos, Phillies and Red Sox, and he has also served as a bullpen coach for the Yankees. Let's hope he can work some magic with guys like Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny, and Zach Duke.
September 18, 2008 Paul Maholm allowed three earned runs on three hits over seven innings in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Dodgers at PNC Park, with six walks and four strikeouts.
Our View:He exited the game in a 3-3 tie, and was dealt a no decision. Maholm is only 9-8 over 30 starts, but has been solid as he allowed two or less earned runs in eight of his last 11 outings.
September 12, 2008 Paul Maholm pitched into the ninth inning against St. Louis, to snap a six-game losing streak. Pittsburgh won for the fourth time in 21 games. He allowed two runs and seven hits.
Our View:Maholm has pitched well for the lowly Pirates all season. His ERA was lowered to 3.68 and the 26-year-old appears to be Pittsburgh's most legit pitcher in recent memory.
September 6, 2008 Paul Maholm rebounded from one of his worst starts of the season but his bullpen blew the win for him. On Saturday against the Giants, Maholm threw six innings of one-run ball only to watch his bullpen surrender five runs in the seventh.
Our View:Maholm's ERA is down to 3.74 after his 28th start and he has certainly pitched better than his 8-8 record would indicate.
August 20, 2008 Paul Maholm will not be shut down by the Pirates for the remainder of the year to save his arm, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Maholm is nearing his career high in innings pitched, which was 177.2 last season. He is currently at 168.
Our View:Fantasy owners of Maholm are glad to hear this news. He is a bit of an underrated performer, with a 3.64 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. His eight wins are not inspiring, but he could have more if the Pirates scored more runs for him.
