A Tribe Tall Tale, headlined by Russell Branyan, hit batters and drag bunts

Branyan with the Mariners (Photo: Matt McGee)

Russell Branyan.

The name alone has a bit of that Paul Bunyan quality. You know, that larger than life, tall-tale kind of feel, and in many ways, Russell Branyon the person fits the name perfectly.  Sure, you could make the analogy that his prodigious swings at a baseball were the stuff of legends. When "Russell the Muscle" walked up to the plate, chances were pretty good that two things were going to happen:

1. Russell Branyan was going to swing for the heavens...and...
2. Russell Branyan was going to strike out

But, you see, that's not the tall tale that I want to discuss with you today.  No, today the focus is less on how Russell Branyan swung the bat, and more on how Russell Branyan helped Cleveland rob the Seattle Mariners.

Last night, the Cleveland Indians continued their miraculous 2011 season with a come-from-behind victory over the Cincinnati Reds.  The Tribe entered last night's game with a 26-15 record, which was the best in baseball.  While they had lost their last two games against the Chicago White Sox, they had maintained a five-game lead in the Central.  At home, Cleveland had won their last five games in their last at bat.

Why mention last night's victory?  It has the tall-tale, Russell Branyan feel to it.  The Indians fell behind the Reds and starter Travis Wood, 4-0.  Wood, a wily lefty, was weaving one of those improbable games from a starter that keeps most of his pitches below 90.  Through five innings, Wood was pitching a no hitter.  

Indians fans who have been waiting for the bottom to fall out of this season were starting to climb atop their soap boxes, ready to begin their diatribes about how all the signs were there for the end.  Grady Sizemore went on the DL earlier in the week, depriving the Tribe of the motor of their offense.  Travis Hafner then went on the DL, depriving the Tribe of the muscle of their lineup.  Gone were, in many ways, the two main cogs in the Indians offense.

Then, during last night's game, Alex White, the Indians #1 prospect, was pulled from the game after the third inning with a "middle finger strain."  Indians' announcer Rick Manning immediately connected the injury to that of Adam Miller.  Miller was the Tribe's top pitching prospect during the mid-90's, throwing a mid-to-upper 90's fastball that would occasionally hit 100.  Then, in 2007, he missed most of the season with a strained tendon in his middle finger.  The problem was still there in 2008, and he had to have a procedure that many thought would end his career.  Well, it didn't, but that story would pull us too far away from our current one, so that's for another day.  Long story short, by the sixth inning yesterday, Indians fans were faced with getting no-hit, losing their third game in a row (with two more against Cincy), no Sizemore, no Hafner, no White (who may or may not be facing a similar injury to his finger as Adam Miller, who then missed four seasons), and with a not-so-friendly schedule coming up (Cincy/Boston/Tampa).

Our tall tale picks back up in the sixth inning.  With one out and Wood pitching, former Reds player Austin Kearns broke up the no-hitter with a single up the middle.  Jack Hannahan and Michael Brantley would follow with singles of their own, scoring Kearns, which broke up the shut out.  Asdrubal Cabrera walked, loaded the bases.  Then Shin Soo Choo was hit, scoring another run to make it 4-2.  That was it for Wood.

In came this giant of a kid, 6'8" Logan Ondrusek for the Reds.  He walked his first batter, Carlos Santana, to make it 4-3.  Shelley Duncan than hit a sac fly, tying the game, before Ondrusek would end the inning.

The game would remain tied until the eighth inning, when Russell Branyan would pay HUGE dividends.  

Earlier in the day on Friday, the Tribe placed Hafner on the DL and called up Columbus centerfielder Ezequiel Carrera.  Carrera was lights out in Columbus, hitting .317, with 33 runs scored and 15 stolen bases in 37 games.  He's also one of the best fielding outfielders in the Tribe's system.  Carrera was obtained by the Tribe last summer for, you guessed it, Russell Branyan.

Well, Carrera wasn't in Friday night's line up, but it was widely assumed that he would be playing center and starting against righties (moving Brantley to left), and used as a pinch hitter in the other games.

With two outs in the eighth inning, Shin Soo Choo found himself on third base after a near-homer-turned triple that had skirted down the wall in left field.  Reds pitcher, lefty Bill Bray, then intentionally walked Carlos Santana, putting runners on first and third.  With righty Shelley Duncan coming up to hit, the Reds decided to bring in righty Nick Masset to face him.  Manny Acta countered with...Zeke Carrera.

What happened next was the stuff of legends.  Mind you, Zeke had never...ever...played in a major league game prior to last night's game.  This was his first at bat as a big league player.  So, it was the eighth inning of a tie ball game.  So, there were runners on the corners with two out.  Other than that, everything was normal...right?!?  You have to admit, there's a bit of Russell Branyan-ness to the moment, isn't there?

Carrera came up to bat with ever right to take a pitch or two to take in the moment, or to at the very least, find his footing.  Instead, the peppy centerfielder lept at his one chance at surprise, and did something that only Willie Mays Hayes or Kenny Lofton would think of, he dropped a drag bunt down the first base line towards all star Joey Votto.  Votto fielded it and lunged at the fleet-footed Carrera, who nonchalantly stepped out of the way without breaking stride.  Carrera was safe on first, while Shin Soo Choo scored what turned out to be the winning run.

It was a huge win for the Indians, and a big moment for Carrera.  Carrera was believed to be a marginal prospect after his acquisition for Branyan last year, but he's definitely more than that, even in an outfield utility role.  He clearly understands his game, and based on the havoc he wreaked last night, has a bright future for the Indians.  All for Russell Branyan.

By the way, the winning run was scored by Shin Soo Choo, also acquired from the Mariners way back in 2006.  Choo was acquired from the Mariners for Indians first baseman, Ben Broussard.  How did the Indians get Broussard?

In 2002, the Indians acquired Ben Broussard from the Cincinnati Reds, for Russell Branyan.

In a final twist of fate, today Russell Branyan was released from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Indians trade Branyan for two Mariners prospects

Russell Branyan was just dealt for two high upside prospects, and from a team out of the playoff chase and nearly as bad as Cleveland? Yeah, right...

The Cleveland Indians have managed to somehow deal Russell Branyan to the Seattle Mariners for two prospects that seem to have some upside. The Indians aqcuired outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and SS Juan Diaz today from the Mariners, in exchange for Branyan and either cash, or a player to be named later.

Carrera has hit .268 this season, with 24 runs, six doubles, two triples and 18 RBI. He's also stolen nine bases in 14 attempts. He doesn't strike out much (32 times in 64 games, and has a decent OBP. Carrera was signed in April 2005 by the Mets as an undrafted free agent. After four solid seasons in the low minors for the Mets, he was dealt to Seattle in the J.J. Putz deal. In 91 games with the AA Wast Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, he led the league with a .337 average, while stealing 27 bases. He played most of his games at centerfield, but also saw time in left as well. He's not a bad get, when you consider Cleveland only gave up Branyan to get him. I'm not sure where he fits in the grand scheme of things, but I'd take a case of beer for Branyan. Carrera will likely join Columbus as soon as possible.

The real get may turn out to be Juan Diaz, a 6'3" shortstop playing for the High Desert Mavericks, the Mariners Advanced A team in the California League. Over the past two seasons, he's broken out a bit with raw skills. He's currently batting .295, with seven homers and 41 RBI in only seven games. Not only that, but he's got eight stolen bases in 10 attempts. He doesn't walk much, but his OBP is .345, so he does find a way to get on base. Last season, splitting his time in rookie ball and High Desert, he hit .317, with five homers and 30 RBI. Obviously, this kid has some untapped potential. At 6'3", and only 170 pounds, he's likely going to fill out, which absolutely will improve his power. He does have a ways to go defensively, but his offensive potential is clear. He'll start the season off with High A Kinston.

So, is it me, or does this deal smell an awful lot like the Shin-Soo Choo or Asdrubal Cabrera deal? What are the Mariners freaking thinking? They don't have a chance in hell of doing anything this year, and are mulling a potential deal for Cliff Lee, who they just dealt for this year. They are 14 games back and 12 games under .500. What was Seattle thinking? Give up two prospects for Branyan? Really? That's almost as bad (or worst) as dealing Cabrera for Eduardo Perez or Choo for Ben Broussard. Could you imagine that deal at once? Eddie Perez, Ben Broussard and Russell Branyan for Choo, Asdrubal Cabrera, Juan Diaz and Ezequiel Carrera. If both those kids are busts, you make that trade ten times over. I'm not a Shapiro fan by any stretch, but well done.

Yes, the Cleveland Indians may very well be the worst team in baseball when it's all said and done, but Seattle may have lost their minds. At least we can go to bed at night knowing that the Indians can steal a prospect or two every couple of years from the Mariners. Yeah, I know, Franklin Gutierrez. Don't remind me...

maybe this was Seattle's way of saying thanks...

A final word on Russell Branyan

On Friday, ESPN.com reported that Russell Branyan decided to sign a contract with the Cleveland Indians. The contract is believed to be a one-year contract with a $2 million base and up to $1 million in additional incentives. The deal would also reportedly include a 2011 mutual option worth $5 million. The deal is contingent on Branyan passing a physical with Indians doctors in Goodyear, AZ some time early this week.

On where Branyan will play: Over Branyan's career, he's played both corner outfield positions, both corner infield positions and DH-ed. In 2009, he played exclusively as a first baseman for the Mariners before his bad back ended his season at the start of September. In 2007 and 2008, he played mostly third base. In 2006, the majority of his games came in the outfield, although he played several games at third as well. So what does this mean for Branyan in 2010?

The key is the back. I can't imagine that Branyan is seriously being considered for the outfield, other than in spot duty for a couple of games. I also can't imagine that he would play third base for any extent of time. There may not be a position more rigorous on the back than third base. That leaves first base and DH. Matt LaPorta is reportedly penciled in as the starter at first base. The right-handed hitting LaPorta is coming off surgery, although the belief is that he'll be ready long before opening day. Are the Indians really saying that LaPorta isn't ready offensively? Are the Indians also saying that they may be playing LaPorta in left as well? I know, there isn't a way that makes sense.

Perhaps they are thinking that Hafner will go down again at some point at DH. I could have seen the Indians sign a power bat to platoon with Hafner, but they are both left-handed, which precludes that move. The problem at DH in any scenario is that Branyan signed with the Tribe because he felt he'd get more at bats. So where will he play? I have to believe he's going to find himself at first for the majority of at bats, while filling in for both LaPorta in left and Hafner at DH, when needed. The Indians are likely playing the percentages here, thinking that someone is going to get hurt or traded. The odd man out in this scenario is Michael Brantley. He's still young, so look for the kid to start the season at triple A.

No, it's not perfect, but it is what it is.

On Russell Branyan's offense: It's pretty simple with Branyan. He strikes out in nearly 40% of his at bats, or hits mammoth homeruns. His career OPS is .822, which is above the league average, and is mostly because of his slugging, although he does have a career .333 OBP, which is right around the league average. He'll likely bat fifth or sixth in the line-up, providing protection to the clean-up slot. I just don't see Branyan getting regular at bats in Cleveland, especially if they are going to take a serious look at both Brantley and LaPorta. Don't forget, these are the players at the center of the Sabathia deal, and LaPorta is 25-years old. No, he's not exactly old, but he's not a young prospect either. Brantley will turn 23 this year, so there is still some time to develop.

On Branyan's future: I really find that mutual option at $5 million interesting. For those that don't know, the mutual option needs both the club and the player agreeing to the terms. I can't imagine a scenario that would have the Indians keeping Branyan for the 2011 season. Either he plays out of his mind and the Indians trade him prior to July, or he doesn't play at all, and they don't exercise the option year. I don't see Branyan sticking around that long. Like his at bats, his year with Cleveland will either be a big hit (trade) or miss (release).

On addressing the need for a right-handed bat, or a utility-type player: Branyan can't bat right-handed that I know of, so they still have a hole on the right side of the plate. I also can't fathom Branyan in that utility role that Casey Blake and Jolbert Cabrera made famous. Branyan's body is breaking down, and unless someone tells me or shows me different, I just don't see him filling that role this season.

On my feelings for the signing: I really don't get the move at all. I suppose Shapiro and Antonetti felt that spending $2 million was an easy way to get some prospects at the deadline. Of course, if Shapiro really believes this club could contend in 2010, perhaps management is viewing this move as one that could put them over the top in the central.

Either way, welcome back Russell the Muscle, for however long you are back, that is.

Indians extend offer to Russell Branyan

The Cleveland Indians have reportedly made an official offer to former Indian Russell Branyan. Branyan started his career off with the Tribe in 1998, and was utilized as a power-hitting utility-player. Branyan played both corner outfield positions, third base and DH in his tenure with Cleveland. On the outside looking in, he looks like a perfect fit for the Tribe.

So can anyone tell me what the Indians are thinking?

The Indians are in dire need of a right-handed bat, initially to supplement the line-up as Matt LaPorta heals from his offseason surgery on his hip and toe, then to support a left-hand loaded line-up.

Branyan is a left-handed hitter.

The reports seem to cover this more-than-minor issue and have Branyan in a potential platoon with the aforementioned LaPorta at first base. Yeah, you heard me right...a platoon. A lovely platoon. So I just have to ask, is Eric Wedge manipulating Manny Acta as a marionette? Wedge was platoon-happy in his tenure as Tribe manager, perhaps trying to make work the crud that Shapiro was dealing him, such as David Dellucci and Jason Michaels. Now, Branyan appears to be a guy that can platoon with LaPorta and Jhonny Peralta, and perhaps even keep Michael Brantley from starting in left. Is Branyan really that guy?

Should Branyan sign this deal, does this mean that the Indians dealt CC Sabathia with LaPorta at the center of the deal only to platoon him with a guy that has spent his career striking out in nearly 40% of his at bats? Does this make any sense at all to anyone? LaPorta, coming of two surgeries this offseason, has yet to make an impact with the Tribe, but hasn't had the opportunity to spread his wings as of yet. Is this supposed to help him? The 25-year old should have every opportunity to play every day. Does signing Branyan preclude that from happening? Does the centerpiece to the Sabathia deal really need a back-up plan? Great PR Shapiro, well done.

All of the sudden, this idea that the Indians are going to take a look at the youth this year is seemingly garbage. LaPorta is apparently slated to platoon with a has-been, Brantley might not make the big league club and Luis Valbuena has been sent a message by Tribe management, right or wrong, that they were willing to trade for someone to either platoon with him or completely take over.

As for Branyan, who's mulling over deals from both Cleveland and Tampa Bay, this really isn't anything against the guy. I always wanted him to find a spot with Cleveland in his previous tenure, and tear the cover off the ball. It never happened.

Now he just appears to be a cheap road-block to the talent Shapiro acquired in dismantling the team. Of course, this could turn out to be another minor-league deal, in which case I can't blame the Indians for taking a flyer on the guy. That said, if Branyan is eventually signed to play significant innings, you really have to scratch your head at Mark Shapiro's off-season philosophy.

Of course, most of us are likely bald after the past eight or nine years, so why should this year be any different.

Indians should leave the rubbish in the bin

I keep hearing all of the rumblings about Hank Blalock and Russell Branyan, and I can't help but wonder, why?

Let's start with the old Cleveland retread, 34-year old basher Russell Branyan. You've all heard the first half greatness, the 22-homers and the .280 average, followed by the second half crash. Branyan had been complaining of lower back spasms all year, and ultimately led to his being placed on the DL on August 30th. Now Branyan is hammering truck tires at Vanderbilt to showcase his improved back. I have nothing against Branyan, but is he really someone we want to sign to take a job away from the youngsters? The Indians are looking for a right-handed bat that can play first, and perhaps, play some outfield slots. Branyan hasn't played any outfield in two years, and is a liability out there to begin with. To say he's a third baseman is ridiculous at this point, which leaves him as a first baseman. Do you want him ahead of say, Andy Marte, or really, anyone else the Indians have? To be honest, I'd prefer Jordan Brown to Branyan. He's cheaper, and I would love to see what he can do if given a chance. Branyan is a retread. Might he hit 30 dingers again? Maybe...but it's certainly doubtful. He's never come close before. With the rebuild, it just doesn't make sense.

Hank Blalock, a former third baseman from the Rangers, is nearly in the same boat as Branyan. His past three seasons have been riddled with injuries, and he really hasn't been all that productive. Like Branyan, he had a solid first half of the season, batting .260, with 19 homers and 42 RBI, but ended up losing his first baseman's job in the second half because of struggles. He ended with 25 homers, and a .239 average. Yep, another injury issue that can only play one position.

Then there are the Jermaine Dye rumblings.

Jermaine Dye just plain fits. As mentioned at B³ on Sunday, Dye has played some outstanding baseball over the last five or so years, and can play all the outfield positions, as well as first base. No, he doesn't have much of a glove, but he does have a right-handed bat. Dye also struggled in the second half, but it's more the exception than the rule. Blalock and Branyan are a couple of trash-bin guys at this stage of their career, while Dye may prove to be just the bat, and perhaps a leader in the clubhouse. Rebuilding or trying to win, you can't go wrong with that.

It seems like a perfect fit, which means someone else will likely outbid the Indians, and knowing the Dolans, by a buck and a quarter.