"In a move that gives them more flexibility to trade Matt Garza, the Cubs signed free-agent left-hander Paul Maholm to a deal that's expected to be announced Tuesday.

Maholm announced his signing Monday night via Twitter from Chicago, where he plans to attend the Cubs Convention this weekend.

"I hope to get to continue some things when I visit [Pittsburgh] during the year and start some great things as I start my Cubs career,'' Maholm, 29, wrote in a tweet directed at fans in Pittsburgh, where he has spent his entire seven-year ­career (53-73, 4.36 ERA)."