BRANYAN BACK TO M'S
The Seattle Mariners acquired first baseman Russell Branyan from the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and infielder Juan Diaz.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
Branyan should give Seattle a much-needed heart-of-the-order power boost; he hit a career-high 31 homers last season (when he was again with Seattle), and they're tied for fewest long balls in the majors so far this season (44). Branyan is also a relatively inexpensive and proven quantity who can play both first base and serve as the DH.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
In the short term, this move appears to be the Tribe's way of clearing payroll. Also, it finally gives promising young slugger Matt LaPorta a chance to play every day at first base. LaPorta has been raking lately at Triple-A, and has been a top prospect in need of more at-bats for a while now. Meanwhile, Carrera is a promising base-stealer and a solid contact hitter who has shown some ability to hit for a high average in the minors (although he's struggling at .268 in Triple-A so far this season). Yet the prize here may be Diaz, who's showing good power and speed at Single-A and may have the tools to be an above-average all-round shortstop.
Fantasy impact
