Russell Branyan?

by RayGuy3 on Jan 30, 2010 12:15 AM EST

Just curious.... I don't post often but I couldn't resist. He's not a high average hitter but he can mash the ball. What is he expecting in a salary? And yes, I know he's coming of the back injury but he's supposed to be ready for spring training. I personally think with the way we build teams from year to year, this is the type of guy we take a chance and bring in for a look-see. Thoughts?

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Russell Branyan

Russ Branyan was given his first starting shot last season with the Mariners and become one of the year’s surprises. Russell’s huge strikeout rate keeps his batting average down, but his high walk rate keeps his ability to reach base well above average despite the low average.

His power has long been excellent, and last season he finally got a chance to show it off on an everyday basis. His fielding and base running aren’t especially good.

When a guy can get on base and hit for power, one would think he would be a rather valuable player to have. Two questions arise with Branyan:

. Was his 2009 season a fluke? Can he continue to put up impressive numbers on an everyday basis?

. How much did his serious back injury last last season take away from him?

I have liked Russell since back when he commanded only a $500,000 salary. For a while he was one of the best players nobody really wanted. But after his fulltime success last season I suspect he will command a pretty good 2010 salary — if he is healthy. And if he isn’t healthy, why would anyone want him?

If health is indeed an issue, picking him up on a minor league contract (if possible) would be a shrewd move. The risk would be high, but the potential reward would seem to make such a signing a no-brainer.

by sharksrog on Jan 30, 2010 3:38 AM EST reply actions

Agreed

He could be a good option at 1B going forward if healthy. Some won’t like him because of the Ks, but the guy has legit light-tower power.

by rglass44 on Jan 30, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions

Salary?

Based on his age, recovering from an injured back, probably going to be a DH. I just think this is the Cliff Floyd type of player the Rays would pursue.

by RayGuy3 on Jan 30, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not sure if I'm remembering correctly,

but I think I heard he’s asking for around $3M guaranteed, possibly a little more.

That’s actually a touch higher than I’d expect, given his injury problems. In fact, Seattle was not the first team to give him an every-day shot. He’s just had injuries ruin those other chances.

on Twitter @CubsStats23

by BWoodrum on Jan 30, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

Dreaming I suppose...

I’ve never seen a ball hit the RC wall or clear the Rays tank. =)

by RayGuy3 on Jan 30, 2010 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

I mean..

Not the wall in play, but behind the tank.

by RayGuy3 on Jan 30, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions

Carlos Delgado

is another player the Rays could look at if we’re looking to unload PtB. He probably can’t play 1B after reports of him limping in his first couple of games back, but he could likely come close to Damon/Branyan if healthy. The problem with Branyan/Delgado is if the Rays are going to eat 7-9 mil (depending if you want to count PtB’s ‘signing’ bonus) they would want a near lock in the players performance (Damon), and not about the same chance a player is healthy vs. PtB returning to form.

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by CubFanRaysaddict on Jan 30, 2010 1:49 PM EST reply actions