JosephC
12-07-2009, 07:47 AM
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Toward the beginning of the season I would have never thought this question would be asked. Bringing back the most productive hitter in the Mariner's lineup seemed like a no brainer. But towards the end of the season we saw Russell Branyan deal with back troubles as well as miss the end of the season. Now that it's negotiation time, would you resign Branyan should he require a 2 year contract?
First, we know Branyan wants to return to the Mariners. I have no doubt of that and the media has made that very clear. Branyan would take a team that offers him 2 years over a team of his choice however.
The biggest question in signing Branyan remains was this year a completely fluke for him, or does he really have the ability to hit 35-40 homeruns next year? I remember reading an article before Branyan signed with the Mariners which stated that Branyan couldn't hit the ball if it was paused on a projector. Has the guy completely transformed, or will we see him have a very low batting average with little success next year? I don't want to see another Richie Sexon at the plate, nor does anyone else.
My thoughts are SIGN Branyan to a 1 year deal, even if it costs more than expected. I would let Branyan fly away to another team however if he demands a 2 year contract. It's just too risky for a (real shortly to be) 34 year old.
Toward the beginning of the season I would have never thought this question would be asked. Bringing back the most productive hitter in the Mariner's lineup seemed like a no brainer. But towards the end of the season we saw Russell Branyan deal with back troubles as well as miss the end of the season. Now that it's negotiation time, would you resign Branyan should he require a 2 year contract?
First, we know Branyan wants to return to the Mariners. I have no doubt of that and the media has made that very clear. Branyan would take a team that offers him 2 years over a team of his choice however.
The biggest question in signing Branyan remains was this year a completely fluke for him, or does he really have the ability to hit 35-40 homeruns next year? I remember reading an article before Branyan signed with the Mariners which stated that Branyan couldn't hit the ball if it was paused on a projector. Has the guy completely transformed, or will we see him have a very low batting average with little success next year? I don't want to see another Richie Sexon at the plate, nor does anyone else.
My thoughts are SIGN Branyan to a 1 year deal, even if it costs more than expected. I would let Branyan fly away to another team however if he demands a 2 year contract. It's just too risky for a (real shortly to be) 34 year old.