BRANYAN HEADS TO SAN DIEGO
The San Diego Padres acquired infielder Russell Branyan from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for pitcher Evan Meek and a player to be named later or cash.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres have been starving for a big bat all season and while Branyan is by no means an all-star-caliber bat, if he can do anything for a club it's provide power. Todd Walker hasn't exactly been Brooks Robinson with the glove at third base, so Branyan will get a lot of playing time at the hot corner. And the beauty of Branyan is that he can also play first base or the outfield corners if need be. Of course, there is a big downside with him, which is all the strikeouts and the low batting average.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
With B.J. Upton coming up earlier this month, the Rays had less need for a veteran like Branyan and more need for a younger player to fill his roster spot. The acquisition of Meek, a 23-year-old righty, continues the Rays' effort to bulk up on young pitching, which is their biggest need. By no means a major prospect, he's got good stuff as a starter but has had injury troubles and has had his struggles in the minors. But what they got here is as good as you're going to get for a guy like Branyan.
Fantasy impact
