The Chicago Cubs have signed LHP Paul Maholm to a one-year, $4.25 million contract according to Bruce Levine via Twitter. The contract also includes a $6.25 million option for 2013.

Maholm is very familiar with the National League Central as he spent the last seven years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Maholm went 6-14 with the Pirates last year with a 3.66 ERA, 5.4 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, and a 49.9 percent Ground Ball Percentage in 162.1 innings.

Maholm is what he is. He is a bend-but-don’t-break pitcher, who is nothing more than a No. 4 pitcher in most starting rotations. He will give the Cubs some decent innings, a pretty good ground ball rate, and he will be worth around two-to-2.5 wins for them in 2012.

The former Pirate will round out a rotation that now consists of Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Travis Wood, and Randy Wells. Chris Volstad is also in the mix for a rotation spot.

What the Cubs are doing is building rotation depth for the inevitable trade of Garza. The Cubs are in rebuilding mode and Garza is their most valuable asset, so look for him to be on the move soon. I think he ends up in Detroit.

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