Buc News: The Fan In, Maholm Out

• The Bucs have selected KDKA's incarnation, The Fan, Sportsradio 93.7 as its flag station for the next four years. It shouldn't be a lot different, we're guessing. The announcers are the same, the Pirate radio network is the same, so... It is a return to the Pirates old KD roots, and an all-sports channel probably is a good fit.
• Oddly enough, Frank Coonelly was on the air with The Fan's David Todd. He pretty much kissed Paul Maholm goodbye, saying that it's "unlikely" PM will return, the Bucs aren't in the position to offer a multi-year deal (to Maholm, presumably), and they'll stay in touch while he's feeling out the market. (The prez confirmed that the Bucs won't pick up his option to Rob Beirtempfel of the Tribune Review) We're not sure who they have in mind to take his spot, but good luck replacing him.
• IF Jordy Mercer is 8-for-19 (.421) with the US team, with 5 runs, 5 RBI, 3 2Bs and a homer.
• Baseball America listed all the top prospects, team-by-team. The Bucs had nine, most in the A or rookie level.
• The NL Central is sure getting interesting. Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Cubs have signed Theo Epstein of the Redsox as GM. Peter Gammons of the MLB Network tweets that the Astros will be sold and then jump leagues.