Indians sign Russell Branyan

by Doug09 on Feb 19, 2010 3:05 PM EST

ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports that Russell Branyan has agreed to terms with the Indians on a one-year, $2 million contract.
The deal also contains $1 million in performance-based bonuses and a $5 million option for 2011. Branyan, 34, will provide insurance at first base for Matt LaPorta, who is coming off multiple surgeries, and he might even find time at DH. Branyan also drew heavy interest from the Rays.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/35484616/ns/sports-player_news/

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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Balls!

I wanted him!

Regressing to the mean streets of St. Pete

by stpetelawyer on Feb 19, 2010 3:27 PM EST reply actions

The Reds have offered Jonny Gomes a minor league deal w/spring training invite.

Seriously, if you were willing to pay $2m to have Branyan play full-time backup DH, you can’t pony up half that for a major-league spot for Gomes? Sign Gomes. He’s dirt cheap and does the same thing Branyan does without a wrecked back.

I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.

by kericr on Feb 19, 2010 3:55 PM EST reply actions

Branyan's left-handed, Gomes isn't, crucial difference.

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Feb 19, 2010 4:40 PM EST up reply actions

After Jonny Gomes is done with baseball

The Rays should hire him for PR appearances and overall regulating

Shop-Vac

by Sveet on Feb 20, 2010 1:04 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs

You wouldn't be the only one.

Official head of the Eric Berry bandship while it grows and grows and grows.

Buc'em- Your source for everything buccaneer.

by 4QB on Feb 20, 2010 7:03 PM EST up reply actions

This is what I would've expected

the playing time in Cleveland is much more plentiful in Cleveland, even if the team sucks.

by FloridaownsFSU on Feb 19, 2010 5:34 PM EST reply actions

Cleveland has LaPorta for 1B

he should be there anyway but i guess he is LF bound.

Anyway, time to go after Park. Also I think we can get Calero on a minor league deal with ST invite.

Fire and Ice: Rafael Soriano and J.P Howell.......with their side kick Grant the aussie Balfour!

by joeybw on Feb 19, 2010 5:47 PM EST reply actions

This is exactly the deal I had in mind for the Rays

1/2 + option for 2011 at 5 million. Except I do not like the mutual option. A team option would be much better incase his back continues to be a problem.

Just like damon, park and all these rumors they would be nice for cheap, but not a neccessity. In this case I think Branyan just took the at-bats.

www.draysbay.com, www.beyondtheboxscore.com, Twitter @trancel

by Tommy Rancel on Feb 20, 2010 1:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions

If his back is balky, the Indians won’t pick up the mutual option.

by Salty on Feb 20, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

Mutual options rarely go through

If the player has a great year he will decline and if he tanks the team will.

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Feb 20, 2010 6:53 PM EST up reply actions

Indians fan here. I was really hoping Branyan would choose the Rays, not because I don’t like Russel but I think it’s the wrong move for a rebuilding team that needs to take long, hard looks at lots of kids. Anyway, best of luck to the Rays. I’m not just an Indians fan but a Yanks/BoSox hater as well.

by MickS on Feb 20, 2010 4:30 PM EST reply actions