Bucs discussing Maholm with multiple teams

A baseball source has confirmed that the Pirates are discussing possible Paul Maholm trade scenarios with multiple teams. The Pirates still do not feel a need to have to move Maholm, but if another club meets its asking price, Pittsburgh will make a deal.

Recent reports have listed the Dodgers, Padres and Mets as teams interested in acquiring the left-hander before Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline. Multiple sources have told MLB.com that no deal is imminent.

When asked to comment on specific rumors, Pirates GM Neal Huntington said: “We will not discuss any specific trade rumor.  We are working through various scenarios with various players and will make a move only if we believe the return to be compelling.”

Maholm, who is under contract through 2011 and has a clup option for 2012, doesn’t have the ability to veto a trade. He had this to say on Friday regarding the rumors:

“I’ve always said I want to be on a winning team. My first choice would be on the team that turns it around here. I’ve been in Pittsburgh my whole career and I love the fans, love the ballpark, and I think they deserve a winner. I want to be a part of that. But it’s not up to me. If they come in and tell me to go somewhere, I’m going. I don’t have a ‘no trade [clause].’ We’ll just see how it goes.”

– Jenifer Langosch