Tribe makes offer to Branyan

• HitsRus

  

  Looking for some depth at the corners in case La Porta can't go....
  
  http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100216&content_id=8079340&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle
  
  
  Said to be a one year deal...no financials given...no word whether Branyan will take it. Usually in cases like this, Dolan always comes in second.
  
  Okay...how 'bout some pitching?
• wes_mantooth

  

  Branyan is the missing piece....AL Central is ours for the taking.
• Cleveland Buck

  

  This is huge. We need a "I <3 Larry Dolan" thread.
• TBone14

  

  Is Washburn still out there and how much does he want? He's not really an ace anymore but he can take the ball every 5th day, be solid and keep us in games.
• darbypitcher22

  

  he'd be better off staying in Seattle if they tenure him a deal
• Laley23

  

  I got wood.
• Eric Taylor

  Branyan has agreed to terms with the Indians.
  
  2 million dollar deal with a chance for another 1 million in incentives.
  
  There is a mutual option for 2011 worth 5 million.
• just_a_swimmer

  

  Well we are starting off right. FAIL
• HitsRus

  

  I don't have a problem with bringing in another bat, although $2 million for Branyan seems a bit steep. He provides insurance at first base or DH if either Hafner or LaPorta cannot return to form after their injuries. Branyan could reportedly also play the OF or 3rd base. The biggest loser of this deal appears to be Andy Marte.
• osudarby08

  

  Well, we are about to lead the league in strikeouts this year with Grady, Pronk, and now Branyan.
• wes_mantooth

  

  Yeah, we have some strikeout machines in the lineup for sure. We need to trade for Adam Dunn to help us set some major league records.
• Azubuike24

  

  The Diamondbacks are shopping Mark Reynolds. He blows Adam Dunn away in terms of K's. 223 whiffs last year!
• royal_k

  

  Although he is a SO machine, he did hit 31 HRs in only 116 games. That's good power numbers.
• HitsRus

  

  There are some who think K's are not that important in measuring a power hitter (I don't agree).
  While I don't mind Branyan, his addition is inconsequential. The team will live and most likely die...on the starting pitching.
• Al Bundy

  Another guy who can't play in the field. Just what the tribe needs.
• RedRider1

  

  Nothing like bumping threads from 2001.....
  
  oh wait....nevermind.
  
  He's got 164 career homers and 946 career K's......which will happen first....175 HR's or 1000 K's?
• HitsRus

  

  The question is can he hit enough home runs to offset the opposition teeing off on our starters.
• wes_mantooth

  

  I am really curious to see Fausto this year. I know I will be let down, but I am hoping for a rebound year for him.
• TBone14

  

  royal_k wrote: Although he is a SO machine, he did hit 31 HRs in only 116 games. That's good power numbers.

  Safeco is quite spacious. The Prog isn't the best homerun park but he had some outs that wouldn't be outs in other stadiums.
  

  RedRider1 wrote: Nothing like bumping threads from 2001.....
  

  I LoL'd.
• royal_k

  

  wes_mantooth wrote: I am really curious to see Fausto this year. I know I will be let down, but I am hoping for a rebound year for him.

  The reports on his winter ball pitching were very good. The same for R Perez. Perez actually did some starting and pitched very well. Something to think about down the road. If both of these guys pitch like they are capable, it will be a huge lift.
• mucalum49

  

  Today when announcing this move is official the organization also stated that Branyan is the Indians starting first baseman... WHY?? LaPorta is 25, not really a prospect anymore. Why take away development opportunities for either Brantley or LaPorta for a 35 year old signed to a 1 year deal with an option for a 2nd??
  
  At least other organizations are going young and letting their guys get used to the pro's even if it means a rebuilding season or two. I have no idea what the Indians strategy is.
• Footwedge

  I thought Branyon was penciled in for 3rd base.
• mucalum49

  

  Footwedge wrote: I thought Branyon was penciled in for 3rd base.

  Cleveland Indians sign Russell Branyan; he'll start at first base
  
  http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/02/cleveland_indians_sign_russell.html
• Footwedge

  ^^^^It's an old joke...
• wes_mantooth

  

  No way could Branyan play third....they are holding that spot for Ben Broussard.