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.