Getting to Know the Cubs: Paul Maholm

There are just two days until pitchers and catchers report! We'll have full coverage of Cubs camp over the next few weeks right here on Everything Cubs Blog. Today, let's continue to get to know some of the newest members of the ball club by turning our attention to Paul Maholm.

• Age: 29
• Birthday: June 25, 1982
• Drafted by: The Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round (8th overall) of the 2003 draft
• Position: Starting Pitcher
• B/T: Left
• MLB Debut: August 30, 2005
• Spent the first seven years of his career with the Pirates before signing with the Cubs this winter
• Went 6-14 with a 3.66 ERA in 2011
• Career record of 53-73 with a 4.36 ERA
• Contract: 1 year, $4.75 million, team option for 2013
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 220 pounds
• College: Mississippi State University
• Agent: Bo McKinnis
• Fastball averages between 89-90 mph for career, but is now around 87-88
• Pirates poor defense and lack of run support hurts his numbers
• Has been much better at home than on the road
• Healthy career, no DL stints until 2011
• Has dominated the Cubs over the years
• Throws from high 3/4s
  
• Also throws change-up, slider, and curve ball

Maholm will compete for a spot in the starting rotation in Spring Training.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!