December 3, 2008 The Seattle Mariners have signed Russell Branyan to a one-year contract, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
Our View:Branyan is a spare part and has little to no fantasy relevance. He's known for his power, but that comes with a price - strikeouts, and a ton of them. In 2,000 career at-bats, he's struck out 797 times - or 40 percent of his ABs.
September 30, 2008 Russell Branyan was left off the Brewers post-season roster for the first round in favor of youngster Brad Nelson, according to the Brewers Official Website. "We were a little concerned with Branyan's health, though he looked fine today in [batting practice]," manager Dale Sveum said of Branyan who missed most of September due to a strained right oblique.
Our View:Branyan hit 12 home runs in 132 AB, but other than the occasional long ball, he has little value. The team chose youngster Nelson instead, who was once the team's first baseman of the future until Prince Fielder came along.
September 23, 2008 The Brewers activated Russell Branyan from the DL Tuesday. He was out with an oblique strain.
Our View:Branyan will be used as a power bat off the bench over the final few games.
September 5, 2008 The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel believes that the signing of Mike Lamb could be an indication that Russell Branyan isn't expected back due to his right oblique strain.
Our View:It could also signal that Mat Gamel is not in the plans to see significant playing time at third base, with Craig Counsell and Lamb likely to see most of the action.
August 13, 2008 Russell Branyan has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a right oblique strain, according to the AP. Layne Nix was recalled from Triple-A Nashville to replace Branyan on the roster.
Our View:Branyan, who served as a utility man this season, batted .252 with 12 homers over 20 RBI over 48 games.
