Baseball America
| The Deal |
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With Scott Rolen’s left shoulder ailing again, the Cardinals moved to pick up some third-base insurance on Friday. They added Russell Branyan from the Phillies in exchange for a player to be named. Oct. 7 Update: Philadelphia received cash considerations to complete the deal. |
| The Big Leaguers |
| The 31-year-old Branyan now joins his fourth organization this year, after previous stints with the Padres, the Indians’ Triple-A Buffalo affiliate and the Phillies. He’s the same all-or-nothing power hitter he always has been, batting .198/.316/.458 with nine homers, 24 RBIs and 54 strikeouts in 68 games and 131 at-bats. He’s capable of playing left field and first base as well as the hot corner, though he’s no standout at any position. Branyan is making $1 million this year and will be eligible for free agency afterward. He’s a career .229/.326/.481 hitter with 120 homers and 298 RBIs in 695 games. |
| Quick Take |
| If Rolen is sidelined for an extended period, Branyan offers a lot more pop than St. Louis’ other alternatives, Miguel Cairo and Brendan Ryan. It’s unlikely that Philadelphia will receive a significant prospect in return. |
