R. Branyan To Reds - Preperation for Trade?

[Chicago]

Russel Branyan was traded to the Reds today in exchange for a minor league outfielder. Why would the Reds trade for an OF when they can't find enough spaces for all the talent they have now? Perhaps this is in preperation for a trade, supplying a solid backup OF when they ship Ken Griffey Jr. to the Yankees.

[Chicago]

To follow-up with my post, I went to the Reds' web site, and apparently Branyan is a 3b also. Here's what GM Bowden had to say:

Reds general manager Jim Bowden said, “Russell will provide us with a left-handed hitting backup at third base, plus lefthanded power off the bench.”

So it looks like he's there to replace the horrid batting of Aaron Boone.

[Arlo]

Interesting trade...

I like the deal from the Indians' point of view - Broussard's been slightly disappointing at AAA this year, but he's a great talent. Branyan was doing nothing for them. Actually, this might work out for the Reds as well. Boone isn't exactly Mike Schmidt, and it's possible that a change of scenery or a different hitting coach could do Branyan good. I haven't looked at the contracts involved here, but this is one deal that doesn't look half bad.

[timkell]

Well, it looks like Griffey aggravated that hamstring again last night. You have to feel for this guy now, but since I have Dunn and Kearns, it's good for my fantasy team!

[mm92280]

The interesting part is with Bob Boone as coach, do you start sitting your own son to give Branyan playing time (assuming they don't make another trade) ???

[Arlo]

Tough call for Boone. Of course, he can start by letting Branyan dh and see what happens. Unless Branyan really has a great start, though, I'd expect Boone to see the bulk of the playing time.