Russell Branyan Finally Signs, Lands With the Indians

If I were Russell Branyan, I would seriously consider firing my agent.

The Seattle Mariners offered Branyan at the beginning of the offseason, a one-year contract in the neighborhood of $6 million-$7 million. Branyan’s camp turned that offer down because they thought they could get a two- or three-year deal somewhere else.

Big mistake.

What planet was Branyan’s agent on where he thought he could get a multi-year deal for a 34-year-old with a bad back in a down economy?

The offer he had with the Mariners was so simple and so convenient, Branyan’s camp should have jumped all over it.

So instead of making $6 million-$7 million and having a starting job on a contending team in 2010, Branyan will be making $2 million a year serving as a utility player on a rebuilding team.

Way to earn your paycheck, Mr. Agent.

The 12-year veteran signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Cleveland Indians on Friday. The deal also includes a mutual option for $5 million for 2011.

I would say there is a better chance of Jake Westbrook winning the Cy Young in 2010 than the Indians picking up that option in 2011.

In all seriousness, the signing of Branyan tells me a couple of things. First, I think the Indians have serious concerns about the health of Matt LaPorta.

LaPorta is coming off surgery on his left toe and hip and who knows if he will be ready come Opening Day. He also hasn’t proven he can be an everyday first baseman in the major leagues, so Branyan will provide insurance at first.

Second, Branyan can provide the Indians insurance at DH when Travis Hafner gets hurt again. Hafner has played in 161 games combined in the last two seasons and I don’t think he will ever be the player who hit 42 home runs and had an OPS of 1.097 in 2006 again.

Branyan can also play left if need be.

Branyan also drew interest from the Tampa Bay Rays, but chose the Indians because he felt Cleveland could offer him more playing time.

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