Prospect Insider - M's trade for Branyan

M's trade for Branyan

By Chris Crawford

By 06-26-2010

Per Shannon Drayer -- the Mariners have traded Ezequiel Carrera and Juan Diaz.

Diaz is a six-three short-stop who has a line-drive swing and can play SS, but the switch-hitter has some serious issues with discipline and power despite his size.

Carrera is well-known for the numbers he put in 2009 -- but hasn't hit as well in Tacoma. He's a legit 65 runner and may have the ability to get on-base, but is strictly a fourth outfielder because of the lack of power and arm-strength.

This is -- perplexing. I don't think that Carrera or Diaz are elite prospect by any means, but why the M's are giving up young talent on hitters right now is a little on the strange side.

It's not a killer, and we've seen Branyan hit, just kind of odd timing.

m\'s-trade-for-branyan

Comments
The following 39 comment(s) for this article are shown below:

1. By: Blowgun7 on 06-26-2010 21:16:17
Yeah, this organization is into moral victories, and getting close to .500 by year's end seems like a goal of theirs.

I don't get it. I know both Carrera and Diaz are future bench guys, but it's still just a wierd move. Better not cut into the playing time of Saunders.

2. By: Chris Crawford on 06-26-2010 21:16:58
Tend to agree, Blowgun. Maybe they sign Branyan to an extension or something? But -- this seems pretty odd.

3. By: Slurve on 06-26-2010 21:21:55
I don't care DINGERS!

4. By: Lantermanc on 06-26-2010 21:22:03
I hope those two prospects weren't very good. I guess Jack Z was tired of seeing Josh Wilson play 1b. I know I was.

5. By: Slurve on 06-26-2010 21:22:41
Actually I do, but wow this is just weird right now. I don't know what to think what's going on right now.

6. By: VanillaGorilla on 06-26-2010 21:30:00
So basically we saved $500K by not picking him up until now and it cost us carrera and diaz. Maybe we should have just signed him in the off-season. I dont carre about carrera, but I thought Diaz was mildly interesting. I wonder if this will spell the end of the Kotchman era

7. By: StandinPat on 06-26-2010 21:32:06
Yeah, def wondering why they didn't sign him and have a contingency plan.....but I'd prob give up Diaz and Carrera just to see Kotchman go away.

8. By: Juan Valdez on 06-26-2010 21:46:35
Could they be acquiring Branyan for the purposes of trading him? He's having a decent season. Which contenders could use a left-handed power bat? Could he be part of a package with Cliff Lee?

9. By: rocketdawg31 on 06-26-2010 21:57:24

I'm not getting this.

Really.

Why are we buying offensive talent that we don't have under club control, with the exception of a mutual option for 2011 (I think)?

To make a run at being a 75-win team?

Carrera could have been a replacement for Langerhans sometime within 2011. I don't really lament Juan Diaz, because I think Nick Franklin has superseded him as a prospect anyway.

Kotchman's trade value is virtually nil, so it can't really be a precursor to barter HIM away.

And RE-acquiring Branyan just to deal him away sounds like a little-TOO-lateral-thinking move with very limited potential to help.

I'm not seeing the logic on this one yet.

10. By: Blowgun7 on 06-26-2010 22:00:04
Jack is a first time GM. He has to fill seats, he has to impress his bosses, he has to build a winning culture with this team.

A 65 win team doesn't bother me or you. I couldn't care less how many they lose at this point. But for Jack if he can get this team to 80 wins, I'm sure he thinks that looks better to his bosses.

11. By: rocketdawg31 on 06-26-2010 22:19:12

Blowgun, valid point.

It can't be assumed that the owners think Jack walks on rose petals, can do the same if on water.

But I have another thought.

What if a deal for Cliff Lee has been agreed to on terms and imminent...and a first-base upgrade is not part of the deal?

But I don't even completely buy that, because Branyan's club control isn't there.

One would hope that Zduriencik would look elsewhere for that upgrade instead of a 34-ish power-first slugger with a back problem. For starters, Kila Ka'aihue would have looked good in Mariner blue, and might have been acquired for not much more than what the M's gave up here.

I'm sure, though, this isn't the last move the M's make.

I just hope the logic becomes clear sooner rather than later.

12. By: Jason A. Churchill on 06-26-2010 22:23:32
This move is not a sign of anything except that trading Cliff Lee is probably going to be aimed at 2010 and beyond, not just 2011 and beyond.

13. By: Blowgun7 on 06-26-2010 22:26:06
That seems stupid to me. I think Jack sometimes put a little too much emphasis on getting guys who can step in immediately.

I fail to see why 2010 would be any factor whatsoever in evaluating Lee packages.

14. By: Turtle on 06-26-2010 22:28:18
Jack needs more offense regardless of the standings. Branyan helps. Now if he can deal Lee and get more offense on top of that the M's could still be a respectable team without Cliff Lee. Just insert Bedard into Cliff's rotation spot and you have kept a quality rotation and improved your lineup.Maybe they make up a little ground in the standing's before it's all said and done.

15. By: Jason A. Churchill on 06-26-2010 22:54:29
Attendance in 2010 is directly related to revenues generated in 2010. Revenues generated in 2010 relate directly to PAYROLL limits in 2011.

16. By: Blowgun7 on 06-26-2010 23:03:04
Eh, what kind of prospect/player is coming back that is going to have a real impact on Safeco attendence?

Fans flocking to the stadium to see Kevin Slowey?

I just hope we don't pass up on a better talent package because a different deal has a major leaguer in it.

17. By: rocketdawg31 on 06-26-2010 23:05:04

So, Jason, you think this move was made strictly to bump up the wins, and attendance?

Making for a little bit more payroll in 2011?

18. By: rotoenquire on 06-26-2010 23:11:55
From the moment Z got Lee in a trade he said he would be happy to hold onto him an dget the picks at years end. I still believe unless someone is willing to WAY OVER PAY!! That is his full intent.

This also help with the budget for next year. Not to mention if Branyan can produce give you a decent DH next year. There is a 5 million mutual extention in his contract...

19. By: Juan Valdez on 06-27-2010 00:14:06
I'm also one that doesn't get why a deal hasn't been made for Kila Ka'aihue, either by the M's or some other team.

20. By: Juan Valdez on 06-27-2010 00:22:25
Maybe this trade actually gives Z more cover to go for the better package of talent, in a Lee trade, that does not include a major league ready player. Add Branyan and insert Bedard, then trade Lee.

or

Maybe this trade is all about convincing the rest of the league that he's really serious about still trying to contend this year and therefore they really need to knock his socks off with an offer if they want Cliff Lee down the stretch. Seems far fetched.

21. By: rocketdawg31 on 06-27-2010 00:31:56
Maybe this trade is all about convincing the rest of the league that he's really serious about still trying to contend this year and therefore they really need to knock his socks off with an offer if they want Cliff Lee down the stretch. Seems far fetched.

I admit I never thought about that, but yeah Juan...pretty far-fetched, I'm afraid.

That's taking a bluff way too far, is easily seen through and a clear signal of desperation once seen through.

22. By: Lamda on 06-27-2010 01:23:49
could be payroll based for next year. The reason why we can't keep Lee is we're already sitting at 80-85mill for 2011 meaning we'll have 10-15mill to upgrade the team. Branyan has a 5mill option for next year and when healthy should be able to hit 25-30hr's. That's a cheap power bat for a cash-strapped team.
It makes no sense though if they decline the option and let him walk next year.

23. By: Jason A. Churchill on 06-27-2010 02:00:15
Juan Valdez,

Because he's not available. You want to give up Michael Pineda for him?

Plus, he's 26, it's not like he's a franchise bat waiting for his chance. He's yet to beat out Mike Jacobs and the awful defensive 1B in Billy Butler and he's had four chances.

24. By: mr_blank on 06-27-2010 02:17:33
As long as the M's don't see Branyan as anything past a solution for the rest of this season, I'm fine with it.
Now while a package for Kila from the Royals would be good and awesome, I still like to hold out hope that possibly Jack could make a run at obtaining Lars Anderson or Anthony Rizzo from the Red Sox. Both lefty 1B bats, would look awfully good in Seattle. Plus they're both 4 and 6 years younger than Kila, respectively.

I truly feel 1B is a HUGE glaring hole in the future for this team. I'm not sold on Poythress's bat in Safeco in the future, especially since he's a righty...and call me crazy, but I still think with a little more time that Adam Moore can turn into an everyday catcher for this team. So if I'm Jack Z, I make absolutely sure any Lee deal has a solid 1B prospect in it...who's left-handed. Safeco was built with a left-handed power hitter in mind remember.

25. By: safecochatter on 06-27-2010 08:14:56
trade means the m's are better at 1st base for now. period. m's still have to keep an eye on the 2010 gate. plus z has always said win now and win in the future.

there was a quote from z on sports ticker last night that i haven't seen mentioned yet in the blog world..."i have talked to cliff lee about a trade,he's mature,he's been through it before".. almost sounds like he made a statement to the rest of mlb that lee is "oficially" on the block.

26. By: baseballman on 06-27-2010 09:43:43
If Branyan is healthy and they pick up his option for 2011 that solves one bat that we dont have to overspend heavily for in FA.

2011 needs so many bats and this could just be a proactive way to get one on the cheap, or at least have an option for one. plus like some of you already said, even without Lee our pitchin staff will still be very good, and branyan boosts our offense and that equals a better team which should bring more out to the ball park.

we didnt give up much and this move gives us some good flexibility. i like it.

27. By: griggs on 06-27-2010 09:57:14
Jason, could this be more Howard Lincoln and Chuck Armstrong and not so much Jack Z? I just don't see him making this deal without pressure from the FO.

28. By: randallball on 06-27-2010 10:14:55
This move could solidify a spot that was going to be open next season if Branyan stays healthy, and at a cheaper price and more production than anything that will be on the market next season.

I just don't like giving up two pieces (bench pieces, for sure, but still pieces) that I think could have had a bit more value.

29. By: Juan Valdez on 06-27-2010 11:01:23
On Kila - if he's had multiple chances to beat out Mike Jacobs and Billy Butler, and has not been able to do so, what is it that makes him so untouchable to the Royals? If he was 21, that would be one thing, but he's 26 now and working on his sixth season in the minor leagues.

To be clear, that he can't beat out those guys may also be reason enough for other teams not to want him.

30. By: Lamda on 06-27-2010 14:01:53
don't quite get the people who say - so long as he's not in the plans for 2011 - thats fine. Do we have a 1B for next year? Is there some kid who can come in and play from AAA and do well? To my knowledge we got nobody except for Kotchman and he's proven about what he can do. Now if we somehow trade Lee for a stud 1B prospect then yeah - get him out of here but if we waste that trade on a C then we'll still have no 1B for next year. With Branyan we'll have a decent 1B that can hit 25-30 hr's a year all for a whopping 5 mill.

31. By: dewey on 06-27-2010 14:18:11
Kila = Bucky its alot of swings and misses against real pitchers let it go people!The Brayon thing is weird i thought we where all geared up on defensive metrics i guess that was a mistake im completly lost on what direction Jack and the guys our trying to do anyone else feel this way?

32. By: mauricewilliamsiii on 06-27-2010 14:20:18
Jason was 100% right in comment 15.

As much as a lot of us would like to see the kids play and wouldn't care much if the M's picked in the top five in next years draft, I suspect Jack Z is loathe to have that kind of attitude.

Only Jack Z knows what kind or payroll restrictions might come with another 95-100 loss season and only he knows what kind of pressure might come to bear if the Mariners have another disasterous season.

I for one hope the team can claw back close to .500 from here on out and we don't see Jack Z and Wak put on the same "hot seat" that Bavasi and Hargrove were put on. I'm with Z and Wak for the long haul and I don't won't to see panic set in after two years and the sort of mistakes that people in a panic mode make.

33. By: Edman on 06-27-2010 16:15:33
Juan, using your math....if Kila couldn't beat out either Jacobs or Butler, what actual value would he have to the M's?

And griggs, really, let's not play the Lincoln and Armstrong card on this deal. Exactly why would Lincoln and Armstrong have to gain by pushing that Jack trade for Russell?

Every GM gets pressure to up the attendance. You think their going to let Jack get buy by not putting butts in the seats?

That said, this is all about Jack, not Howie and Chuck. There's no sinister plot behind, other than to at least be respectable. It didn't cost much who why not improve your club if you can? You really wanna see more Mike Carp?

34. By: StandinPat on 06-27-2010 16:34:13
The Ms had exactly zero MLB quality 1B in their org before this trade. They have to have someone to play the position, and the two guys they gave up are fringe backups at best. Carrera and Diaz would basically replace Langerhans(via Mike Morse trade) and Josh Wilson(via waivers)IF they actually reach the majors. These aren't two gonna be missed long term. Jack has shown so far that he is perfectly willing to trade fringe prospects to fill holes on this team, but is hoarding his impact talent.

35. By: Juan Valdez on 06-27-2010 16:41:25
Edman - The Kila thing is curious because you see a guy sitting there in AAA putting up very good numbers and you wonder why someone isn't at least giving him a look at the Major League level. That's all. For the Royals, the plan very well may be to trade Jose Guillen in the next few weeks, and then call Kila up and see what he can do for the rest of the season. That would be a perfectly rational move for them.

When I bring up the question here, it isn't so much to bemoan the fact that the M's didn't make that move as it is to try and get some insight from Jason or anyone else that might have heard something about the Royals' plans for the player.

36. By: Juan Valdez on 06-27-2010 16:45:57
One quick addition to my last comment: as well as trying to understand what the Royals' plans are for the player, it would be nice to know what scouts around the league think of him. It may very well be the case that the consensus on him is that he's maxing out his talent at AAA and will simply never be able to do much against major league pitching. That would explain why he couldn't beat out Billy Butler and also why no other team has traded for him.

37. By: bodhizefa on 06-27-2010 17:05:49
Juan Valdez, I've always read from various prospect sites and heard from various scouting types that Ka'aihue's swing is pretty awfully suited for big league pitching and that it's filled with holes. I have never seen him swing, so I have no idea. But that's why he generally never gets brought up in terms of top prospects despite good numbers in the minors -- he doesn't sit well with a lot of scouts.

38. By: dewey on 06-27-2010 20:17:02
Have you ever seen a 3A game in Omaha? Its a launching pad

39. By: CovingtonHawk on 06-28-2010 16:47:07
Can someone confirm for me that most of the 25-man roster is signed thru next year. And they are hitting terribly.

Then this could very easily be nothing more than seeing how the club performs by adding a power bat to the every day line up. This is an easy way to see what changes. Of course, a better power bat will create a steeper change line but Branyan could be a simple fix to a significant problem.

If it works, JZ knows he needs a good power bat in the line up but that he only needs the one stick. If it does not work, it still helps him assess where the team is on offense.

To answer that question this year, the players given up is a fairly low cost.

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