M's trade for Russell Branyan

[TTown]

Tribe pays the bulk of his contract this year, and he's got a mutual option for 2011 if his back holds up. I know the timing off the trade might irk some -- 13 out of the WC, 14 out of the West -- but I don't mind it. We gave up two prospects who weren't going to do anything here. If Bedard can pitch like he used to things might be interesting enough to continue watching after Lee is traded. We'd essentially be the same team, only with a major league caliber first baseman.

Or, we could just flip him with Lee at the deadline. Who the hell knows.

[Bay_Areas_Finest]

Sad thing is that the trade really doesn't do much for us, yet Branyan instantly becomes our best power hitter.

And I just mean that he isn't the needed impact right now. Hopefully Z, as you mentioned, possibly packages him later in a bigger deal.