If there is one hole on the current, defending World Champions roster, it's on the bench.

Of the half dozen or so guys in the mix for reserve duties, only Eric Bruntlett and Chris Coste hit from the right side. In addition, Coste is a catcher, and thus, not likely to be called upon to pinch hit if the team carries two catchers.

So who's still out there on the free agent market? Every day the list dwindles.

I just read this morning that veteran Kevin Millar, who spent the last few seasons in Baltimore, signed with Toronto.

Ty Wigginton recently finalized a deal with the Orioles. Rich Aurilia returned, once again, to the Giants.

Rocco Baldelli, a popular name in the rumor mill but unlikely to be a Phillie because of the limited amount of at-bats the right-handed bench guy would likely get, is on board with the Red Sox.

Despite new names signing every day, there is still no shortage of viable options.

The Phils would prefer to give the opportunity to Nomar Garciaparra, but the long-time, former star Red Sox shortstop hasn't made up of mind about retirement.

Moises Alou and Mark Grudzielanek are two other veterans still on the market.

But don't be surprised if the Phils stand pat... and possibly bring three catchers up north in seven weeks. By acquiring an experienced, major league backstop in Ronny Paulino in early December, the team could make Chris Coste their top right-handed bat off the bench and still not lose their backup catcher in the process with Paulino.

Anyway, that's just me thinking out loud here at 8:34 in the morning inside the quiet press room at Bright House Field.

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Speaking of quiet, there wasn't a soul inside the clubhouse shortly after 8 a.m., which is the official reporting time when spring training officially gets underway in two days.

But there was at least one new face lurking in the background. In the kitchen area, former general manager and current adviser Pat Gillick was walking around.

Gillick, of course, was wearing a Hawaiian shirt.