Mariners trade for Russell Branyan? Seriously.

[clarknova]

Apologize for the lack of link, but I'm reading that the M's just traded Ezequiel Carrera and Juan Diaz to the Indians for Russell Branyan. Not a move I expected, but a definite upgrade at first base. Source- John Morosi (via twitter). Also on MLBTraderumors.com. Let's discuss.

[Igoe4Mariners]

WOW. That is all I have to say.

[Igoe4Mariners]

Carerra supposedly had pretty good potential too. I don't get this when we are so far out of the race.

[TellItToTheDA]

Power for now, and in the future? Really, we could have put a bag of flour at first base and gotten better production. I can dig it.

ETA: I also don't mind giving up Carrera (blocked in Center Field by Guti) and Diaz (who, let's be honest, is just a single A prospect who probably won't ever see the majors). We needed a power bat, and we got it.

[TellItToTheDA]

Link: http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=374&sid=336832


Update...The Mariners have sent out the release with quotes from Jack Zduriencik. Here he is on re-acquiring Branyan.

"“It’s no secret that we’ve been pursuing a bat for some time,” Zduriencik said. “The opportunity to consummate a deal presented itself today. In Russell, we have added a bat that can help bolster our offense. With three-plus months to play we want to give our team every opportunity to be as productive as possible this season, while not harming the long-term plan for the franchise.

“Russell had the most productive season of his career with us last year, so we know he’s a good fit for our team and our ballpark. With our pitchers throwing so well, and our young starters still developing, I wanted to give them every opportunity to continue to develop. Part of that development is winning games, and we feel Russell can help us do that.

[JosephC]

What a weird move. That is all I have to say. Not a fan at all.

[phredmojo]

another quote from Z

"If you look at our team, as we move forward, just about every player who is here now will be here again next year,'' he said. "We're committed to the development of our players and that goal, that objective has never changed for us. But part of that development process is also winning games. We want our players to be able to experience winning games this year. And we're trying to do what we can to give them what they need to get there.''

[SeaTownJosh]

The mariners need to hit .500 by the all star break and if they do then they need 1 more big bat and for the people who suck to start picking up the slack. They will win .700 games if that happends!

[Igoe4Mariners]

Anyone know it The Muscle will be available for today's game?

[JosephC]

from Larry Laru:

Branyan is flying into Milwaukee today, landing about game time. Don't expect him in the starting lineup, but he could pinch-hit at some point, stay in the game.

Read more: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/mariners/2010/06/27/lets-see-russell-branyan-or-tom-petty/#ixzz0s4OsLrP5