Russell Branyan

[JonnyLungs]

If we're looking to get Gamel consistent playing time, sending him to AAA probably seems to be the best option. But that leaves the bench with very little pop. Wouldn't Branyan make sense as a four-corners guy and some power off the bench?

Maybe I just love the feeling I get when the game is in the bottom of the ninth with the Brewers down and Branyan stepping to the plate as a pinch hitter representing the winning run.

[endaround]

Hawpe is also out there

[dadofandrew]

Yep, I've been pimping Branyan for a few weeks, since Hinske decided to stay in ATL. A power bat on the bench, be it Aybar or Branyan, is all they're lacking from being a prototypical well built roster.

[ELCABALLO45]

I would love this.

[PrinceEatMeat]

Can never say no to 3TO. So, I say yes!

[Warning Track Power]

I am all for this. I think we all have stories of watching Branyan parking a few to some of the deepest parts of Miller Park. Like JonnyLungs and dadofandrew said, if Gamel is destined for everday action in the Minors, who else could better fit the role we were going to sign Hinske for than Branyan?

 

This Brewer generation's Rob Deer!

[docduany]

I'm not sure what Russell would be looking for in terms of PT and AB's. Does he want to play a lot or just win? He turned 35 in December, so time isn't on his side. He had a nice year last season in Cleveland and Seattle. In 109 games he had 25 HR's. I'm afraid that's a starter at DH somewhere. His salary in '09 was 1.4 mil and in '10 it was 1.5mil. If that's all the cash it would take to bring Russell in to be a back up at all four corners and the thunder off the bench, I can't see a downside.

[dadofandrew]

Too many DH's now in the AL, one or two will not find a job. However, Branyan may wait to see if an injury occurs, or he might fit in as a reserve somewhere at 3-4 spots and the DH spot.

[owbc]

I love Branyan, but he should probably be avoided due to his injury history.

[monty57]

I'm not sure what Russell would be looking for in terms of PT and AB's. Does he want to play a lot or just win? He turned 35 in December, so time isn't on his side. He had a nice year last season in Cleveland and Seattle. In 109 games he had 25 HR's. I'm afraid that's a starter at DH somewhere. His salary in '09 was 1.4 mil and in '10 it was 1.5mil. If that's all the cash it would take to bring Russell in to be a back up at all four corners and the thunder off the bench, I can't see a downside.

For all of Branyan's career, he's put up numbers that seemingly would justify a starting position on a MLB roster, but for some reason he always gets passed over. I'd certiainly be for signing him for a bench spot. I like Gamel, but I'd rather see him getting work in AAA. Unlike Gamel, Branyan has proven that he can play 1B/3B/corner OF in the majors and that he can hit MLB pitching. Plus, with his experience, he's probably a better option for getting sporadic PT as a bench player.

[Teatoe993]

Branyan is small potatoes. If I'm Melvin I'd be cutting Mr. Attanasio's lawn for that extra $20 to go get Vlad to be the RH power bat off the bench.

 

How do I makes this blue? Damn you Safari.

[TooLiveBrew]

If Branyan would be open to it, I'd love to see the Brewers sign him. I agree that getting Gamel time in AAA to work at 1B would be valuable. Plus, it's The Muscle!

[Warning Track Power]

Manlove for 3TO one more time:

 

Branyan Available?

 

Now a report on his out clause. If he isn't on the MLB roster by Friday, he can elect to be a FA. If he is released and Kotsay somehow remains as the backup 1B/OF I will be incredibly disappointed.

 

As has been discussed at length, Branyan provides better backup at 1B for Prince, a breather for Casey at 3B and possibly more length in the OF than Kotsay, as well as allowing Counsell to focus on playing as much SS as possible this season (see YuBet).

 

This was such an obvious move this offseason that I am still at a loss as to why Kotsay was signed when Branyan was right there. The only thing that makes sense is Branyan wanting to see if he could find a starting job.

 

Crossing my fingers...

[dadofandrew]

Branyan is not really an OF at this stage, or a 3B. I'd love to see him as a PH, but that ship has sailed.

[thumperden]

And he's another left-handed bat. There's plenty of those to go around.

[DHonks]

mlbtraderumors says Branyan could be dealt if the right deal comes along. He'd be an obvious upgrade over Kotsay's bat for a lefty power hitter.

[DocLuna7]

I would have loved to have seen Branyan stepping to the plate with two on and none out tonight against the Cubs instead of Kotsay. Let's hope that DM is willing to admit a mistake with Kotsay and go and get him (probably for cheap) from Ari.

[ELCABALLO45]

I can see why Melvin wanted Hinske so bad this off season. He would be a perfect fit for this team. I wonder what Gabe Gross is up to these days?

[DHonks]

Gross was released in spring training. And Docluna, I was thinking the same thing...Branyan would be nice

[brettac1]

Yeah, seems like AZ decided they really don't want to play him much.