The Pittsburgh Pirates will not pick up left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm’s $9.75 million contract option for 2012, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.  While the Pirates could bring Maholm back, the pitcher is ready to test the open market.

“There are no guarantees, but I’m going to test it and see where it goes,” Maholm said. “I’m not going to close any doors, but I want to see what’s out there. I owe that to my family, to do what’s best for them.”

The 29-year-old Maholm was 6-14 with a 3.66 ERA in 26 starts this season with the Pirates.

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