Why Russell Branyan Was Brought Back

Now, I know this isn't fresh, but with some people still wondering about the move that brought back Russell Branyan, I thought it over myself and came to the conclusion that it was a move that had to happen at the point it happened.

A lot of people shake their fists over the fact that Branyan wasn't signed at the beginning of the season, but we can't forget that he wanted at least a two year contract with M's. Of course, the M's weren't ready to make that commitment to a 34 year old slugger who missed the entire last month of the 2009 season. Casey Kotchman was younger, healthier, a great glove, and nearly an equal amount of walks to strikeouts in his career. Most people saw it as a logical choice, especially when Ryan Garko was added as possible platoon player with Kotchman and besides, a 1 year offer was never taken off the table for Branyan, who ended up signing a 1 year deal with Cleveland.

However, Kotchman, who eventually won the spot over a platoon situation with Garko, didn't pan out, because he failed in the area of production that is essential for all First basemen to keep their jobs: offense. Sure, Kotchman will probably win a gold glove at first someday, if he can hit regularly enough to start. Until that day, it is unlikely that Kotchman will be able find any kind of starting job at first whether he remains with the Mariners or is moved.

After all, first base is the defensive spot that requires the least amount of range. Rarely does a first base defender find himself having to run hard to his right to field a grounder or back pedal a ridiculous amount of space to chase down a fly. Mostly, he has to be able to catch incoming throws from all over the infield and occasionally dig one out of the ground, but most guys who can connect with a swing on a 94 mph fastball have the necessary dexterity to qualify them for for such tasks. Only height could be a determining factor that not all major leaguers may posses to make the adequate stretches and reaches, but otherwise, most ballplayers could play first base fairly enough if called upon to do so.

Since its a position that most position players can play, its essential that a regular first baseman can provide some offense. Otherwise, it's only logical that another player with better offensive skills replace him, keeping in mind that he's not a total klutz with a glove. In the American League, the DH spot will usually be filled by an offensive player that the team would rather not have in the field altogether, but it's still unlikely that their first baseman is weak offensively since his glove is easily replaceable.

Anyway, first there was Kotchman and while his fielding skill is at an elite level, (he hasn't made an error in over 200 something games), he isn't even hitting .190. The hopes the front office had that he'd be a doubles hitter and aim for the gap have been dashed, and while there were even some hopes that he might have some pop in his bat, He hasn't hit a home run since April 19th. Even some rbis would be nice, be he totaled 5 in May and 3 in the entire month of June. Maybe Kotchman was just cursed with the wrong handedness and would have made a great giant shortstop ala Cal Ripken, minus the batting ability.

Then, Mike Carp began platooning with Kotchman, usually playing the first half of the game until the M's brought in Kotchman as a replacement. This lasted 11 games or so, as Carp was even worse with the bat than Kotch, batting .167 before being sent back to Tacoma. Maybe Carp will be ready someday, just not today, tomorrow, or this season.

Mike Sweeney got a few chances at First, and he may have worked since he had some pop and was offensively getting it done compared to Carp and Kotchman. However, Sweeney has not been able to stay healthy and just went on the DL again. Who knows how much he will be on and off the DL for the remainder of the season.

The Mariners even gave Josh Wilson a chance at first in order to keep his bat in the lineup. While Josh has been consistent at the plate this year, he can't be the everyday first baseman since he is the primary backup to all the infield spots and lacks the traditional power of a first baseman.

So, after all these reconfigurations it only made sense to bring Branyan into the fold. Branyan, as long as he's healthy, can be an everyday first baseman and he adds power to a lineup that has been lacking it. Sure, Wilson could take over first everyday when Hannahan returns from the DL, but he will never be a power threat like Branyan is. Also, Branyan's work ethic and history with the club are added bonuses.

Game 77 Summary: MARINERS 7, YANKEES 0

Anything you can do I can do better! The King followed up Lee's 3rd consecutive complete game with his 2nd in a row, and held the Yankees to 2 hits, 3 walks and a Big Fat Goose Egg in the runs column! Oh yeah, 11 K's!!!!

On the other side of things, it was homer after homer! Branyan hit his first as M, 11th on the season, Bradley got #8, and Michael "Lumberjack" Saunders slugged 2 of his own! This is the first time the M's have taken a series on the road and this is also the first winning month of the season as the Mariners go 15 and 13 for the month of June!!!

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Oh its good to be KING!

Game 76 Summary: MARINERS 7, YANKEES 4

The Yankee scouts salivated as Cliff Lee shutdown THEIR team, in front of THEIR fans, at THEIR park for HIS 3rd CONSECUTIVE COMPLETE GAME! What is it 1960 or something? Maybe, we should just fire half of middle relief and give their salaries to Lee to keep him in Seattle! Lee did give up 8 hits and his first walk in almost 40 innings, but damn it'd be nice to give him the ball for more than just the next start or so.

Meanwhile, the Mariner's picked up 12 hits, including Guti's 7th homer and Rob Johnson's pai of doubles. Just looking at the box score, I smiled to see that all hitters in the lineup are over the mendoza line! Returning Mariner Slugger via the Cleveland Indians, Russell Branyan went 1-4 in his first game with the M's this season.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Cliff Lee and the season that SHOULD have been.

Game 75 Summary: BREWERS 3, MARINERS 0

Well, Vargas can't win em all. He only managed 5 innings this outing and gave up 3 runs which the M's couldn't respond too. Bradley doubled, nothing else much happened.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Vargas, whose ERA only raised to 2.80 after this outing. Give him a mulligan.

Game 74 Summary: MARINERS 5, BREWERS 4

Yay, Fister is back, praise all that is holy. Well.. it didn't really go down like that. Fister was on a pitch count, and threw 92 just get through 4, but he only walked 1 and gave up 5 hits. Hell, he's just back from rehab starts, so not too much could be expected right off the back. Though I would like to point out that Fister did more with 4 innings, than Ian Snell/Luke French were doing in his place. Also, 3 runs came on an error-aided inside the park home run that Corey Hart hit deep to centerfield, kind of freak accident offensive play.

Then, Brian Sweeney took over in the 5th and shutout the Brew Crew for 4, turning it over to Brandon League for the save. Wow, an effective bullpen pitcher! Sweet!

Meanwhile, both Lopez and Bradley went yard to bring in 3 while Gutierrez and Johnson tallied some too. Good, solid game.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Brian Sweeney, who gave up a single hit over 4 innings, K'd 4 and has 0.00 ERA and 0.25 WHIP through his first 4 innings as a reliever. Oh, and a W!

Game 73 Summary: BREWERS 8, MARINERS 3

Well, everyone, Rowland-Smith took the mound today. He now has 7 losses. Garrett Olson pitched some relief and gave up a couple himself. Hey, Bedard, can I get a hand over here?

Figgins had a few hits and 3 stolen bases, finally doing what we paid him to do while Sweeney also picked up a few base hits. Of course, this kind of deficit isn't what our offense was built for.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Figgins, who I'm starting to see as an offensive threat. Rob those bags, Chone-y!

Game 72 Summary: CUBS 3, MARINERS 2

Well, streak stop at 6... And we gained no ground on Texas...

Still, King Felix went 9 frames and was only set back by offense that couldn't give him 1 more run. Relief held it till the 13th inning, when Garrett Olson blew it, much like he did a bunch last year.

Still, they were aggressive with Figgins, Gutierrez, and even Mike Sweeney all stealing bags and Ichiro, Josh Wilson, and even Mike Sweeney collecting doubles. Guess that guy steal has a few miles left him.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

The King still strikes em and out holds it down, but he could use a few more hits. Can't shut them all out!

Game 71 Summary: MARINERS 8, CUBS 1

Back to back complete games. Lee goes the whole 9, gives up 1 run, and k's 9. I was on hand to watch greatness and revel in a bunch of poser Cub fans' utter humiliation. Looks like it'll be at least 105 years boys! Sadly, this may be Lee's last start in Safeco, but one can dream.

Offensively, that kid from the minors is finally showing promise. Michael Saunders homered and drove in 4, a career high. Good stuff, my friends. Especially, when we got our Lou moment brought to us by a disputed ground ball to Jeff Baker.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Lee, kind of a pattern with the kinds of starters we got.

Game 70 Summary: MARINERS 2, CUBS 0

Its just me or does it feel a bit strange to feel 100 percent comfortable having Jason Vargas take the mound every 5 days. Sure, I wouldn't put him at the same level of confidence I have in Lee or Felix, but it seems like he does his goddamnedest to keep his team in the game. Today, he outdueled Ryan Dempster for 7 innings, giving up 4 hits, 1 walk and K'ing 7.

Offense provided by Guti's bat with a 2 run homer that brought Lopez around the bags with him.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Vargas yet again. Would love nothing more to see him get some CY votes this season.

Game 69 Summary: MARINERS 1, REDS 0

1 run. That's all the best hitting team in the National League managed against the Mariners in this 3 game sweep. Of course, Lee and Felix had the stuff, but RYAN FREAKIN' ROWLAND-SMITH?

Finally, the Aussie picked up his first win of the season, but it wasn't pretty. On 106 pitches to get through 6 innings, Rowland-Smith only allowed 3 hits, but gave up 5 walks. Nonetheless, it was enough with League and Aardsma shutting it down from there on.

The only run came from Guti sacking a fly to bring in Figgs.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

A bit of Jekyll and Hyde, but Rowland-Smith prevailed.

Game 68 Summary: MARINERS 5, REDS 1

Well, now this is what the people of Seattle came to see. Back to back excellent outings by their two staff aces. Not to be shown up by Lee, Felix came up with a complete game of his own. He gave up a run and a walk, but k'd 9 and did it in 115 pitches. How Sweet it is!

Batting wise, Ichi and Saunders sent a few over the walls and provided a bigger than needed cushion.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Felix.

Game 67 Summary: MARINERS 1, REDS 0

9 innings, 6 hits, 0 walks, 0 runs, and 7 ks. Cliff Lee is just cruising! 1 run from the offense was just right as the M's watched a game of pitching mastered by their best off season pickup.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Cliff Lee, enjoy him while you can.

Game 66 Summary: MARINERS 2, CARDINALS 1

With a skittish offense, it helps that Jason Vargas can go 7&2/3 and only give up 1 run. If this guy can stay this consistent, I hope he remains a staple of the rotation for years to come.

Runswise, Ichi had a few hits, Bradley and Saunders scored.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Vargas, the new legend.

Game 65 Summary: CARDINALS 4, MARINERS 2

Finally, Wak had some horse and pulled Rowland-Smith before it got out of hand. Too bad that it was in the 4th inning, and not a late scratch. They just couldn't bridge the gap.

Bradley homered for the 3rd time on this road trip, and Langerhans hit a dramatic pinch hit, but not game winning, homer in the 9th off ex-Mariner Ryan Franklin.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Bradley for being something of a power hit as of late.

Game 64 Summary: CARDINALS 9, MARINERS 3

Wow, French relieved by Snell. Doesn't surprise me that 8 runs got tacked on to those guys. I know they both have potential, they're both young, and teachable, but it's time the Mariner's apply to these guys the same old adage that the Cubs turn to every season: Not this year.

Offensively, it started with promise, as Ichiro belted a lead-off homer. Figgins also scored after reaching base and it seemed like this one might go our way. Unfortunately, French/Snell let it slip away and the offense couldn't come back.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Ichi for trying to get something started.

Game 63 Summary: MARINERS 4, PADRES 2

Well, if Lee can't do it, give the keys to Felix. He took the Mariners all the way to the final out, but had to hand over the ball after throwing 129 pitchers so Aardsma could get the Gimme Save. 4 hits, 1 walk and 9 Ks were Felix's line and definitely something we saw time again last year.

Offensively, Bradley hit his second homer of the series to help the Mariners avoid a sweep and 3 hits came off the bat of ... Rob Johnson? Wow, small miracle. Anyway, good to leave town on a high note!

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Felix Hernandez and his 96.2% complete game.

Game 62 Summary: PADRES 7, MARINERS 1

Well, the Pads brought it with a 2 run homer off Cliff Lee in the 1st, but it was still doable. They even managed another in the 4th, to make it 3-1, but still, with Lee on the mound, there was a chance. Then Sean White and Brandon League let it disappear in the 8th and it was over.

However, as much as the bullpen gave up, the offense also squandered too many chances to score. 1 run on 10 hits? Seriously? That's like spending 40 dollars on scratch tickets and getting 2 back. Ichiro did his job, got on base 3 times and even drove in a run, but nobody picked him up. Yargh, we need an RBI machine!

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Ichi with his 3 hits. 200 is in the bag!

Game 61 Summary: PADRES 4, MARINERS 3

So, what happens when you get blown constantly and can't regularly use your Closer in save situation? Oh yeah, he tends to blow more saves.. Up 3-2 in the 9th and Aardsma can't bag this. Vargas was stellar as usual, getting through 6 while only giving up 2, Kelley and League each got holds, but Aardsma, who has been used sporadically, couldn't shut out the lights.

Meanwhile, the Mariners did manage 9 hits, 6 from the Big Bad Bradley and Jack Wilson 2.0, alone.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Bradley hit a homer to give the lead in the 6th and also picked up his 6th stolen base.

Game 60 Summary: RANGERS 12, MARINERS 3

Sometimes, I just think, what's the damn point? The Rangers get 3 runs in the bottom of the first and the M's answer back with a couple in the 3rd to stay in it, so the Rangers come back with 4, M's put up 1 more, and then the Rangers just rip this game a new asshole with 5 in the 6th.

Ryan Rowland-Smith loses another, making everyone and their redheaded stepchild beg for the recovery of Doug Fister to speed the hell up. The offense tried to battle back, but if 7 runs is hard, 12 runs is impossible. Another devastating series played in the cowboy state.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Figgins for his batting (2-3), but not his fielding (error).

Game 59 Summary: Rangers 12, Mariners 2

Freakin' Weaker! The Mariners get 2 runs in the top of the first with Lopez doubling in Bradley and Wilson doubling in Lopez. It looks promising, like we could take this one from the Rangers.

But then again, Ian Snell is pitching. Any remote outside chance of him receiving half of a vote Cy Young was completely dashed by the 6 run second. It didn't help that his potential replacement, Luke French gave up for of his own. What away to deflate an offense.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Josh Wilson, the best hitting shortstop we've had since Carlos Guillen.

Game 58 Summary: RANGERS 7, MARINERS 1

And, kaboosh! Felix had his worst outing of the season as he gave up all 7 Ranger runs in 6 innings. The Mariners managed to get 1 run across when Johnson singled in Guti and that was it.... 4 hits... Freakin' weak...

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Guti, the only consistent offensive player all season.

Game 57 Summary: MARINERS 4, RANGERS 2

First day on the road and the M's grabbed a victory to keep themselves above .500 in the month of June at 4-3. It was all Cliff Lee again, picking up his 4th win while pitching a complete game with 7 ks and no walks. I'm sure the Yankees are salivating all the live long day, goddamn it.

The big runs came off a 3 run shot by Michael Saunders in the second and Figgins raised his average to .230 while batting in the 9 spot for the first time. Mike Carp went 1-4 with a run in his first start up from Triple A, replacing Mike Sweeney.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Lee. He always gives you a chance to win.

Game 56 Summary: ANGELS 9, MARINERS 4

Well, the hits were there, including a nice 3 run first inning, and Vargas made it through six with it tied 4-4. And then, Shawn Kelley gave up a couple runs and Aardsma stacked some more on in the 9th. Bullpen, bullpen bullpen...

Josh Wilson doubled and tripled, Ichiro, Guti and Bradley also doubled and Lopez also picked up several hits. Just to no avail. Sucks to be swept at home.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Josh Wilson keeps himself right around that .300 mark and even got himself moved up to the 6th spot.

Game 55 Summary: ANGELS 11, MARINERS 2

Well, Fister had to go on the DL, so Rowland-Smith had to take over his spot. While he didn't blow this one, the next 3 relievers did that for him. Devastating.

Figgins and Ichi showed up for this one, but pretty much nobody else.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Figgs. He's finally starting to hit and he stole his 12th base.

Game 54 Summary: ANGELS 7, MARINERS 1

But then the Angels show up and ruin everything. Ian Snell proved once again to be the weak link in the rotation and the bullpen didn't do much to help. Ichiro had 3 hits and the game's only rbi. This just deflated all hopes we had from the Twins series.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Ichi. At least he keeps hitting.

Game 53 Summary: MARINERS 4, TWINS 1

And now that's a big series win, as the M's take 3 out of 4 from the Central division leading Minnesota Twins. The King picked up his 3rd win, (finally), and went 8 innings with 9 ks and only 1 earned run.

The 3rd inning was the offense inning as Lopez hit a 3 run shot to pad the lead. Otherwise the hits were few, though Wilson and Johnson each had a couple.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Felix. He's battling his way back and we're finally getting to the that 1-2 punch at work!

Game 52 Summary: MARINERS 2, TWINS 1

The biggest news of the day was the retirement of Ken Griffey Jr.. Junior hadn't been playing much and with a rather slow start to the season, he felt it was time to end it. Onto the hall of fame for him.

As for the M's the held on by the skin of their teeth. Lee pitched a great game through 8, while striking out 8, scattering 5 hits and 1 walk.

But the real heroics came during a well executed bit of small ball. With two out, Langerhans on second and Josh Wilson on first, Ichiro hit a slow roller up the middle. Minnesota Secondbaseman Matt Tolbert flipped the ball to JJ Hardy on what should have forced Wilson at second, but Wilson dove in quick enough to beat the throw. All the while, Langerhans hadn't stopped running, and when Hardy realized that the ball was still live, his throw to the plate was more of an after thought in a great one run victory.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Winless, but still dominant, it was a well pitch game by Lee again.

Game 51 Summary: MARINERS 7, TWINS 1

Vargas had his stuff, only giving up a longshot to Justin Morneau. Otherwise, he held it down for 7 innings and even stopped a line drive that nearly took his face off. Good stuff overall to pick up his 4th win of the season and good enough to bring his ERA under 3.00.

The M's grabbed 13 hits with those 7 runs. Lopez picked up his 3rd homer and 3 rbis, Ichiro had 3 hits, Alfonzo kept his average above .500 with a couple of hits, and figgs had a multi hit game as well. It was a beauty.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Vargas can pitch to his defense without getting smacked around like Nick Blackburn. He may not dominate hitters, but he picks his pitchers well.

Game 50 Summary: TWINS 5, MARINERS 4

Well Fister, who had only given up a couple of homers to this point, gave up 3 tonight. He managed to get 7 innings under his belt again, but the homers kept the M's just out of winning distance.

Offensively, there were 10 hits, with Josh Wilson picking up 3 of them, Lopez, Guti, and Figgy each with 2, and Ichi with 1. Bradley had few Rbis despite not reaching base. A close game, but no cigar.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Josh Wilson, the fill-in that is truly making it easier to wait on Jack Wilson's return from the DL. When's the last time an M's shortstop hit .300 or better? Oh yeah, A-rod.

Game 49 Summary: ANGELS 9, MARINERS 7

Once again, the bullpen blew this one. Up 7-6 with 2 outs away from victory, David Aardsma served up a 3 run shot to Howie Kendrick. It should have been in the bag, but another one got away.

Offensively, Eliezer Alfonzo, recently called up to replace Josh Bard, went 3 for 5 in his first game as a Mariner with a 3 run homer in the 4th. Everyone got a hit, but Bradley, though he still managed to score. Pitching was ugly on both sides, as both staffs gave up 16 combined walks.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Alfonzo. If he hits well and Bard comes back strong, Johnson and Moore may have to worry about their jobs.

Game 48 Summary: ANGELS 4, MARINERS 1

Ugly. Felix pitches a gem through 8, gives up a run and strikes out 6. Brandon League takes over in the 9th, and then gives up a game winning grand slam in the 10th. The only positive thing is that Kendry Morales probably won't be able to that to us again for the remainder of the season.

Offense, Jose Lopez with a couple hits, one for Ichi and Figgs, and nothing. Goddamnit.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

The King. WouldaCouldaShoulda. Moving on...

Game 47 Summary: MARINERS 8, ANGELS 3

And Lee keeps rocking along, as he wins this one without giving up a bunch of runs, though it was nice to see the offense step up to the plate. Lee k'd 10 in 8 while only giving up 4 hits, 3 walks, and 2 earned runs. It's sad if this only makes him great trade bait at the deadline.

Swinging the bats was the Big Bad Bradley with a hit and 3 rbis, Jose Lopez with his 2nd homer of the year, and Ichiro and Figgins with a couple of runs. It all came together as only Mike Sweeney went hitless.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Cliff Lee, whose making his way towards a Cy Young, but hopefully not another home team.

Game 46 Summary: MARINERS 5, TIGERS 4

And we have our first sweep since Baltimore! Sure, it was only a two gamer, but a sweep nonetheless of the Detroit Tigers, no less. Vargas took the M's 7 innings while only giving up 2, the other Tiger's runs coming with Rowland-Smith on the mound for an unremarkable relief session. Brandon League stole the win and Aardsma picked up his second consecutive save.

Meanwhile, The M's support came late, but in the nick of time. Down 4-1, Sweeney tagged one out that scored him and Gutierrez, and then Josh Wilson singled in the the tying and go-ahead runs, all in the bottom of the 8th. Nail biter, but worth it!

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Well, Vargas only went 5, but was solid. Though, old man Sweeney once again has the most homers on the team.

Game 45 Summary: MARINERS 5, TIGERS 3

Well, when the official M's ace is let down, its up to the unofficial one to pull his team back up. Doug Fister took the mound for 7 innings while only allowing 2 earned runs, 3 altogether, got some run support and gift wrapped a win for Shawn Kelley in relief.

His offense gave him some homers, Bradley with his 3rd and Guti with his 5th, each collecting a couple of hits this game. There wasn't a lot, but it was just enough.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Well, Fister deserves it again for another solid outing, but the Big Bad Bradley did his job too. Tie?

Game 44 Summary: PADRES 8, MARINERS 1

Well, the King watched his castle burn to the ground as San Diego routed the M's. Behind the pitching of Matt Latos, the M's managed only 5 hits, with Ichi getting 2 of them. Hernandez gave up 2 earned runs, 7 hits, and a walk, while Texeira and Colome gave up the rest of the damage. And another one got passed Johnson.

It was a winnable game had Felix had some support, but again, the lumber was in slumber.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

Felix, because it was another game the offense should have picked him up and the bullpen should have been able to keep close.

Game 43 Summary: PADRES 2, MARINERS 1

Well a close pitched game by the unlikely to get-er-done Ian Snell was wasted on an offense that spent itself on the bloodbath of the previous night. Nine hits were scattered by the M's offense that only sent Ichiro on a round trip around the bags. Snell, in his best outing so far, went 5 innings, giving up 1 run, 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 3. Aging Matt Stairs spoiled the fun by homering in the 4th and Texeira threw one by Josh Bard that allowed Chase Headley to trot home.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:

I'll give this to Snell, since it should have been his first win of the season and I'm not holding out for a repeat performance.