Branyan's Lucky #8

[love_that_reefer]

Mariners signed infielder Russell Branyan, who had been with the Brewers, to a one-year contract.
No word on the terms, but it's probably not worth more than $1 million or so. Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik made it sound like Branyan would get a chance to be the primary first baseman, and if that's the case, Branyan probably would have played for free. The soon-to-be 33-year-old hasn't had 300 at-bats in a season since 2002 and he's never had 400. However, he did hit .250/.342/.583 in 132 at-bats for the Brewers last season and he's tended to put up fine numbers on those rare occasions in which he's gotten to play regularly for a few weeks at a time. He could be a league-average first baseman for the Mariners at a bargain price.

Who needs Richie Sexson when you can get Russell Branyan for $14 million less. Branyan will bring power and strikeouts so the M's should be used to that after years with Sexson at the helm. Its a good low cost solution for the M's but not going to escalate them to the top of the West. A lot of work is needed to be done in Seattle. This is Branyan's 8th team to play with and his first return to the AL since 2006.

[Porter]

That was such a back-breaking signing. I would like to get guys that actually can hit for contact over a powerful windmill.

[BoSox34]

Russell Branyan = Mariners savior

[love_that_reefer]

Russell Branyan is guaranteed $1.4 million under the terms of his deal with the Mariners.
He can make $500,000 in bonuses based on plate appearances. Branyan said he picked the Mariners over the Pirates. He also declined a one-year deal with a second-year option to play everyday in Japan.

Was Sean Casey busy or out of the country??

[BoSox34]

Was Sean Casey busy or out of the country??

He liked his backup role in Boston