According to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com, the Cubs are talking to free agent Paul Maholm. Maholm became a free agent after the Pirates declined his $9.75 million option at the end of October. The 29-year-old left-hander posted a quality 3.66 ERA and 97/50 K/BB ratio over 162 2/3 innings this season before being shut down in August with a shoulder strain. The market for him has been pretty quiet, but he could end up being a nice bargain for someone.