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Branyan unlikely fit for Sox 02.17.10 at 4:15 pm ET
By Alex Speier

Russell Branyan isn't likely to end up in Boston. (AP)

In theory, Russell Branyan would seem to represent a useful addition for the Red Sox. The 34-year-old is coming off arguably the best year of his career, having slugged 31 homers for the Seattle Mariners while hitting .251 with a .347 OBP, .520 slugging mark and .867 OPS. Yet in the free agent game of musical chairs, he is still without a seat, and so, as FoxSports.com reported, the Sox wanted to see whether there might be a fit with Branyan.

The left-handed Branyan, who played first base for the M’s last year but who has also served as a third baseman and corner outfielder, would give the Sox the possibility of a left-handed option to provide balance off the bench in place of right-handed corner infielders Kevin Youkilis and Adrian Beltre.Beltre has a career .269/.316/.452/.768 line against righties, vs. marks of .277/.353/.457/.810 against lefties. Youkilis, on the other hand, has significant career success against both right-handers (.295/.384/.495/.880) and southpaws (.285/.408/.466/.873).

Yet while a player like Branyan could represent a good complementary option for the Sox, the team is unlikely to sign a left-handed corner infielder, according to a baseball source. Because the team does not have a guaranteed opportunity for regular playing time — or even for a clear part-time role, given the presence of Mike Lowell on the roster — the Sox will more likely proceed with what they have, thus explaining Ken Rosenthal’s report (via Twitter) that the Sox are no longer a consideration for Branyan.

Unless a trade market for Lowell develops once he returns to the field in spring training or an injury befalls either Youkilis or Beltre, the Sox appear ready to proceed with Lowell as their primary backup at the infield corners.

Read More: Adrian Beltre, Kevin Youkilis, mike lowell, russell branyan Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Nick

    Branyan is another example for the non-believers in the new defense movement in baseball. Why is a guy who hit 31 home runs last year still a free agent? Would that even have been a possibility 10 years ago?

  • jimmyinolympia

    There’s a reason why Branyan doesn’t have a job yet, it’s because he’s not that great. I’m a true blue mariners fan and it was horrible to watch branyan strike out all the time, it seamed that when you really needed the big hit, it was a strike out. His defense reactions were slow as balls seamed to get past him before he even flinched. With all the great moves Seattle made this off season, wouldn’t you think Seattle would have signed him if he was at least above average. You’ll see, whom ever signes him, how frustrating he’ll make you feel when he’s at the plate striking out in the bottom of the 9th with 1 on. Ya he hit 31 homers but he gave up alot more than that with his strikouts and fielding.

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