Yes, it’s good news: Dodgers reportedly interested in Pirates left-hander Paul Maholm

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Pitching, pitching, pitching, where to search for pitching?

Almost anywhere it seems, which given the Dodgers’ situation, sounds like an excellent idea.

Gaining an excellent pitcher, however, is a whole other matter. Chances there are slim, but apparently General Manager Ned Colletti is being aggressive in his search for additional arms before the non-waiver trading deadline.

According to a report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Dodgers are interested in Pirates left-hander Paul Maholm.

Maholm hasn’t been reported on the market, though the Pirates have said they would listen to all offers.

The 28-year-old Maholm isn’t the ace of the Dodgers’ dreams but at least would be a solid addition to the rotation. Right now, that would be real progress.

Maholm is groundball pitcher with a 6-7 record and a 4.03 ERA. Sunday he shut out the Astros on three hits.

And he is neither cheap, nor ridiculously expensive.

Maholm signed a three-year extension for $14.5 million before the 2009 season. He’s owed less than $2 million for the rest of this season and $5.75 million for 2011. There is a club option for $9.75 million the next season, with a $750,000 buyout.

But according to a report by Yahoo.com’s Tim Brown, the Dodgers are looking at plenty of other pitchers.

Brown still has them discussing possibilities of Roy Oswalt with the Astros, while also looking into Jake Westbrook and Fausto Carmona of the Indians and continuing to talk to the Cubs about Ted Lilly.

He also said the Dodgers are in talks with the Toronto Blue Jays about relievers Scott Downs, Jason Frasor and Kevin Gregg. Along with plenty of other teams.

--- Steve Dilbeck