Pirates Looking at Gant, Mabry

Pittsburgh Pirate General Manager Cam Bonifay, looking for a third baseman and more power, said Sunday he has discussed possible trades with a number of general managers.

The Pirates apparently are looking at outfielder Ron Gant and infielder John Mabry of St. Louis and Joe Randa, their third baseman last season who now plays for Detroit.

Teams have asked about right-handers Esteban Loaiza (1-1, 5.94 ERA) and Jon Lieber (1-4, 5.02 ERA) and left fielder Al Martin, who is signed through 2001 at below-market value.

Gant and Mabry would give the Pirates significantly more power but also a higher payroll, even if St. Louis pays a large portion of the remaining $18 million on Gant’s contract. The Pirates’ $13 million payroll is the second lowest in the majors, trailing only Montreal.