Branyan on Joining the Yanks

From Jeff Bradley:

“Just to be able to go and put on the pinstripes,” Branyan said, sounding more like a teenager on draft day than a 36-year-old veteran. “I don’t know if it’s really sunk in yet.”

...

“My whole career has been a challenge,” Branyan said. “Like a lot of guys in the game, nothing’s been handed to me. No one said it was going to be easy, so you have to embrace it all. I’ve enjoyed the ups and I’ve enjoyed the downs. Going into camp with no guarantee is challenging, but I accept that and embrace that, too.”

...

“I’ve enjoyed playing in New York,” Branyan said. “Junior Griffey used to tell me all the time when we played together with Seattle, ‘Man, you’d love playing in Yankee Stadium. I think you’ve got the swing for it. And I think you’d handle it.’

“That comment always stuck. I have always thought, if I get the opportunity to play there, I want to take it. I’m ready to roll. I think I can do this.”

So I guess it's Junior that we have to blame for all those moon-shots Branyan has been hitting in the Bronx. I wouldn't put too much faith in either Branyan or Bill Hall since they're careers are both headed in the same (wrong) direction. But at the same time we've all seen Cashman do a great job shopping at the Dollar Store so maybe he and the Yanks will get lucky again.

Yanks Sign Russell Branyan to Minor League Deal

From Dan Martin:

The Yankees agreed Wednesday to sign Russell Branyan to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major league spring training.

The move does not impact the team’s chances of adding another lefty bat and it remains in the hunt for Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Raul Ibanez.

But Branyan’s presence could make things more difficult for Eric Chavez because the 36-year-old can play both corner infield positions.

Coming off a 2011 that saw him hit .197 with five homers and 14 RBIs I would have rather they signed Chavez. Oh well, maybe he can do more of this: