Zduirencik Is a Genius: Mariners Sign Russel Branyan to One-Year Deal

The Seattle Mariners new general manager Jack Zduriencik is a genius. Letting go of Willie Bloomquist and Miguel Cairo was a great move, with all the prospects coming up the team needs to see what they got. Today the Seattle Mariners signed Russell Branyan to a one year job. Last season he hit 12 home runs in 132 at bats. In 686 at bats, Ichiro Suzuki hit 6 home runs. If Branyan gets just 528 at bats and produces at the same pace as last year, he would hit 48 home runs. With his .250 batting average, he can easily match Ryan Howard's numbers this season. A plus for Branyan and the Mariners is his versatility; he can play first base, third base, out field, and designated hitter. Zduriencik got a steal; he knew what he was doing as last year he followed Branyan around very closely and saw his progression. The Seattle Mariners have a true Ryan Ludwick on their hands. The amount he signed to is unknown, but it probably won't exceed what Willie Bloomquist was pulling in last year. Here is the ... (link)