The deadline for teams to tender a contract to their arbitration-eligible players has passed, and 41 new free agents are now on the market. Unfortunately, the crop is not as bountiful as I had first hoped. Jay Gibbons and Jacques Jones, two ballplayers that might have looked good in black and gold, were unexpectedly among the ranks of the tendered. The remaining list of names has some potential gambles, but little in the way of the kind of help I had hoped would be available.

The sexiest name on the list, and one of the biggest surprises, is Wade Miller. Formerly of the Houston Astros, Miller has been battling injuries the last two years and was limited to only 15 starts last season. If healthy, Miller could be a real asset. The fact that the Astros cut him loose is somewhat puzzling. Does it mean that his health is in the crapper? Or does it simply mean the Astros are trying to free up some money to resign Carlos Beltran? I would love to see the Pirates take a flyer on him, at the right price, but I don't see it happening. I see a team with some money in their pockets swooping in to grab him.

After Miller, the talent pool drops off significantly. I've always liked Josh Phelps, but in a sense, we already have him and his name is Craig Wilson. Like Wilson, Phelps is a right-handed power hitter who strikes out a lot and lacks a true position. Like Wilson, Phelps came up as a catcher, but defensive shortcomings pushed him to first base and the outfield. The difference is that Wilson took a step forward last year and Phelps took a step back. Phelps will be 27 years old this year, so he could still right himself. If he was left-handed I would be more inclined to take a flyer on him, but we really don't need another right-handed defensive liability.

Eric Munson might also be worth a look. He's got huge power, but he is also the ultimate all-or-nothing type player. Like Phelps, he is not known for his defense. He can play third, but not particularly well. The attractive thing about Munson is that he is left-handed. I typically hate one-dimensional ballplayers, but I wouldn't be opposed to signing Munson to a minor league contract. I wouldn't guarantee him a job, but I would make him earn his way into the lineup. I wouldn't expect any miracles, but at least we wouldn't have to drop someone from our 40-man roster to add him.

I'd also take a long look at Dustan Mohr. He's a scrappy Pittsburgh-type-of-player who plays hard. Mohr is not really best used as an everyday player, but he could be a very productive as an extra outfielder. At worst, I would rather have Mohr in the lineup than Tike Redman. I am not sure what the market for Mohr is, or even if he would signup as a bench player, but it's worth exploring.

Unfortunately, I was hoping there would be some good gambles on the non-tender list, but I don't see a lot of fits. Some of the guys mentioned above could help, but none inspire a lot of confidence? Good general managers take good gambles. Whether or not there are any good gambles, or if they Pirates will play a hand, remains to be seen.