Report: Sox interested in Russell Branyan .

[NateGrey]

 

http://blog.skytowercasino.com/st/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/branyan.jpg

 

 

 

Foxsports.com reports the Red Sox have an interest in free agent first baseman Russell Branyan, though the level of that interest is unclear.

 

The 33-year-old left-handed-hitting first baseman played last year for Seattle and hit .251 with 31 home runs and 76 RBI. He had a .347 on-base percentage and a .520 slugging percentage. The Sox already have both a first baseman (Kevin Youkilis) and a left-handed DH (David Ortiz), so Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi speculate that it could be a case of Boston "routinely [exploring] free-agent possibilities late in the offseason, trying to ensure that they do not miss any potential bargains."

 

They also say Branyan is closer to signing with Cleveland -- where he started his career -- than with Boston.

 

 

 

> http://www.necn.com/02/16/10/Report-Sox-interested-in-Russell-Branyan/landing_sports.html?blockID=181013&feedID=3352

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[a700hitter]

This would create a logjam in the infield. If they sign Branyan, they might as well DFA Lowell, because no team will make an offer for him knowing that he will get cut before opening day.

[jacksonianmarch]

Branyan makes no sense. He's a lefty power hitter who is really fit to be a DH. You already have one of those, and unless you plan on having a DH competition with Big Papi, it doesnt make sense. I think the sox are set, to be totally honest. They have Lowell as their CIF insurance and as a platoon mate with Papi. I think they should be happy with that

[Dojji]

I don't see it either, although I do see the logic to it IF you assume Lowell is already gone.

 

Branyan is a lefthanded corner infielder. We have two righthanded corner infielders not counting Lowell. There's a potential fit here, especially if you're a little nervous about Adrian Beltre's offense.

 

Think "Beltre/Branyan platoon." Only probably when Branyan plays it's Youks covering third and Branyan at first. And if Beltre bottoms out you have two other guys who can split first and third between them and utilize Beltre as an LIDR.

[BoSox21]

First off, it's Fox reporting this. Secondly, they cover their own asses with their "it could be a case of Boston "routinely [exploring] free-agent possibilities late in the offseason, trying to ensure that they do not miss any potential bargains."" line. It isn't happening.

[Dojji]

I disagree that it's definitely not happening. It depends on three things.

 

1: Boston's ability to unload Lowell

2: Whatever intelligence they have on Adrian Beltre

3: Whether Lowell could start the season on the 60-day DL

 

If they can unload Lowell more easily than we think they can, we could have Branyan.

If the Sox FO has learned something since they signed Beltre that makes them nervous, they might move Lowell to bring in Branyan.

or if Lowell starts on the 60-day, then he's not even a concern unless he actually gets healthy at some point.

 

But if they think it's really an issue, this is a team that can eat $15M and more to get the right guy in place.

[a700hitter]

I put zero stock in rumors that come from Rosenthal.

[jacksonianmarch]

If they have "intelligence" on Beltre that would necessitate signing a lefty platoon mate then they werent very intelligent in signing him to a $10 million dollar deal.

[BSN07]

I don't see it happening unless Lowell is traded or on the DL.

 

If that is the case Branyan would not be a bad bat to come off the bench, or insurance for Beltre/Ortiz(more so for Ortiz IMO).

[Dojji]

Lowell traded or on the DL is a prerequisite to this deal making any sense whatsoever, agreed on that.

[SCM33]

I think Branyan would be a valuable addition. I dont see the comparisons to David Ortiz. Branyan is a capable 1B/3B and Left Fielder (not a very good one (LF), but can fill in in a pinch), which could work if Cameron shits the bed, or Ortiz shits the bed, or Lowell is dealt, or Beltre is not providing what we need. There are a lot of IF'S heading into spring training.

[Dojji]

Signed with Cleveland.

[RWTP24]

Oh I hope not.