PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Paul Maholm has been one of the hottest pitchers in Major League Baseball over the last month, and the Pirates have been watching.

That’s the word, according to several reports from baseball experts. Take this one, from ESPNChicago.com’s Bruce Levine.

“When I was in Pittsburgh, you saw a lot of guys come and go,” Maholm told ESPNChicago.com. “You just do your work and prepare, and whatever guys you got there that day, you go out and expect to win.”

The Pirates, Maholm’s former team, and Kansas City have interest in the crafty pitcher, according to major league sources.

In his last five starts, Maholm is 4-0 with a 0.89 ERA for the Cubs.

Pittsburgh has reported interest in acquiring another starting pitching option, as Kevin Correia and Erik Bedard have become unreliable options in the starting rotation. James McDonald has struggled in his past two starts as well.

The Pirates are also reportedly in strong pursuit of a corner outfielder with some power.

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Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com