Maholm Locked Up, Hinske Signed

[love_that_reefer]

Pirates agreed to terms with LHP Paul Maholm on a three-year, $14.5 million contract with a club option for 2012.
The deal covers his arbitation years, and Maholm will earn $3.5 million this season, $4.5 million in 2010 and $5.75 million in 2011. Pittsburgh holds a $9.75 million option for 2012, his first year of free agency, with a $750,000 buyout, and the option price can escalate to $11.05 million based on his performance. Maholm, 26, posted a 3.71 ERA in 206 1/3 innings last season, but he finished at 4.76 and 5.02 in his previous two seasons in the majors. Something closer to his career mark of 4.30 should be expected from him this year.

Pirates agreed to terms with infielder-outfielder Eric Hinske, who had been with the Rays, on a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
The deal includes $1 million in incentives. Hinske, who hit .247/.333/.465 in 381 at-bats for the Rays last season, immediately becomes the Pirates' best option in left field. He'll probably be a fourth outfielder initially, but he could wind up with at least 350-400 at-bats once again.

I like both deals. Maholm is definitely nothing special but unfortunately that can still cost a lot of money. None of the years exceed $6 million so that is good. Maholm was the Pirates best pitcher last year plus he's a lefty.

Hinske hit 20 HRs last year for the AL Champion Rays and played multiple positions. Hinske can play LF, RF, 3b and 1b. He should provide some power to a team that needs it. With more consistent playing time, he should make for a better average and OBP.

[jtn93]

Hinske is out of the AL, awesome....he may be the most hated ex Blue Jay. Well he had a turn around last year so he may be a good investment for the Pirates, with some guidance he can make them a very strong team.