There’s No Way Paul Maholm Makes The Dodger Roster

Not gonna happen. Mark my words. There’s really no reason to get upset about this. As the first day of spring training begins this morning, we’re getting a bit of a surprise. After the Dodgers lost out on the Bronson Arroyo sweepstakes yesterday, and I’m using the words “lost out”, and “sweepstakes” generously, it looks like the club has in fact gone out and picked up another starting pitcher. And he’s actually worse than Arroyo. Joy. I’m assuming that Paul Maholm is going to be insurance just in case Josh Beckett’s arm explodes during spring training or something, but I just don’t see any chance of him making the roster.

The Dodgers are on the verge of signing left hander Paul Maholm. According to Dylan Hernandezn, Maholm already has a locker and is in the clubhouse, and is taking a physical this morning. We don’t know the details yet, but I would assume it’s probably on a minor league deal, with a spring training invite, or non-roster invite.

Ken Gurnick confirms this….

Maholm isn’t very good. I guess you could say he’s more mediocre than anything. The 31-year-old lefty is a nine-year MLB veteran, and the Dodgers would be his fourth team. Maholm started out with the Pirates, pitching with Pittsburgh from 2005-2011. He spent 2012 with the Cubs, and has pitched the last two seasons in Atlanta. Last year, Maholm pitched in 26 games for the Braves, posting a 10-11 record, with a 4.41 ERA, 6.1 whiff per nine rate, 105 whiffs, and 47 walks, in 153 frames. Maholm has a career 4.28 ERA, 5.8 whiff per nine rate, and a 2.9 walk per nine rate in 242 career starts. Maholm’s career record stands at 76-95.

Relax, Maholm will not be making the roster, unless Beckett’s arm craps out-Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Maholm’s pitching style is he throws just about everything and the kitchen sink at you. He throws a four-seam fastball, cutter, slider, change, curve, and a really slow curve. He doesn’t throw hard, and limits walks, however he allows a lot of base hits and base runners. (9.7 career hits per nine mark.) He allows way too many base runners if you ask me.

Mark my words, there is no way he makes the roster. None. There’s just no room. He’s insurance fodder in case Beckett’s arm falls off in spring training. The Dodger’s only have one spot up in the air in the starting rotation, which would be the fifth spot. The rest of the rotation is set. Remember, Beckett is being payed 15 million dollars this season. If you think that doesn’t make a difference , well it does. If Beckett is healthy, he’s going to be the fifth starter. And if he can’t go, I would assume, or hope they would go to goggle wearing Stephen Fife. (Unless the club screws up Fife again by trying to make him a reliever)

Maholm is a graduate of Mississippi State, and was a first round draft choice by the Pirates in 2003. Once we have more information on the details of Maholm’s contract we’ll bring them to you. Keep in mind that a lot of players are given spring training invites and don’t make the roster. Remember John Grabow?

With a healthy Beckett, and other youngsters in the fold like Fife, Matt Magill, and even Zach Lee, I find the chances of Maholm making the roster at nearly zero. Let’s not forget the rehabbing Chad Billingsley who will be back at some point during the summer.  I guess it never hurts to have a little insurance though right? We’ll keep you informed if and when Maholm’s deal becomes official.