Indians sign Russell Branyan

[JesRey]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/s...r_espn_4928544

It's a one year deal worth $2 million.

He hit 31 HRs for the Mariners last year, i wonder if he will perform like he did last year.

[gladdyontherise]

Well this should be the end for Marte, although i'm sure Jeremy can elaborate more.

[jsab4807]

Another deal that makes no sense. We have ZERO pitching. Last time I checked, Russell Branyan isn't a pitcher.

I don't think this deal affects Marte at all, because he wasn't in the plans anyways. LaPorta will get most of the starts at 1B. Branyan could platoon with him, but I'd expect Branyan to not get more than 20 or so starts at 1B (barring injury).

But what this could signal....Travis Hafner isn't healthy. He's supposed to be back to 100% this season (something he hasn't been for the last three years), and this signing could very well mean Hafner is back on the "I can play two games, then I need to sit two games to get my shoulder strength back" plan.

[gladdyontherise]

I thought LaPorta was an Outfielder and Marte played 1st base last season (i know Marte is best on the left side of the infield though)

Hafner is never going to be healthy i presume?

[jsab4807]

LaPorta came up with the Brewers as an outfielder, but he's not a good one. Yes, Marte should be playing 3B (if anything), but Peralta has that on lockdown. LaPorta is better suited for first, especially considering we have an outfield with no room for him (Brantley/Sizemore/Choo).

And no, I doubt Hafner will ever be healthy again.