Media outlets in Cleveland are reporting that Russell Branyan has agreed to a one year contract with the Cleveland Indians.

Reportedly, Branyan will take a physical exam in the next few days at the Indians Spring Training camp in Goodyear, Arizona. If the reports are true and Branyan signs with the Tribe he will get playing time at 1B, 3B and LF. It's also possible Branyan will serve as insurance if Travis Hafner is unable to play or performs poorly as the Designated Hitter.

Branyan had a career best number of home runs last season as the full-time 1B for the Seattle Mariners. Branyan hit 31 homers in 431 at-bats before his back problems forced him to the bench. In Cleveland, that's a ton of home runs.

The Mariners as well as other clubs were wary of the back issues Branyan has faced in recent years. As a result of their concerns, Seattle elected to bring Casey Kotchman in to play 1B this coming season leaving Branyan looking for work.

Interest in Branyan heated up this past week as the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays entered negotiations with the the left-handed power hitter. Branyan has supposedly chosen to cast his lot with Cleveland for one year with a mutual option for a second season.

Russell Branyan has outstanding power to his pull side. He can hit a ball as far as anyone if he gets his pitch and keeps his swing short and quick. He does strike out way too much, but the potential for him to take the ball deep has always been tempting to teams during Branyan's big league career. He is best when he gets regular playing time and can refine his swing with repeated at-bats. It's hard to see how he will get 400 to 500 at-bats with Cleveland. But that is not out of the question.

Throughout the winter the Indians have indicated that Matt LaPorta would play 1B and Michael Brantley would be stationed in left. The Indians have talked about giving their young rookies (LaPorta and Brantley) full-time jobs. Is that now in jeopardy? Yet another scenario could involve the future of 3B Jhonny Peralta. Peralta was moved from SS to 3B last season in an effort to open SS to the outstanding defensive play of Asdrubal Cabrera. Peralta had shown a lack of range at SS and Tribe brass was growing weary of his fielding shortcomings. His move to 3B was not popular with Peralta as he prefers to play SS. Now with Branyan potentially coming to Cleveland, could Peralta find himself on the trading block for more starting pitching? That would make some sense as the indians projected rotation wouldn't bring fear to a good high school team. They need help with the starting rotation and there is some interest in Peralta from several big league clubs.

It's also possible that Mark Shapiro and his staff are concerned with the progress being made by LaPorta following off-season surgeries. If LaPorta is not fully recovered, Branyan can provide an excellent power hitting insurance policy. Or, might Branyan play some left field instead of Brantley upon occasion? The possibilities are endless. All come with a price. Reduced playing time for someone.

Throughout the off-season, the Indians were criticized for not adding any new blood to the lineup. Following their whirlwind trading binge when they gave up Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez last summer for a boatload of unproven pitchers, the fans in Cleveland have hammered the Tribe ownership for the perception that the team does not care about becoming Champions. Tribe fans want to win, just like fans in every other city. Now they are somewhat excited about watching rookies Brantley and LaPorta after hearing so much about them. Will it happen or will the potential lift off of the prized freshmen be jettisoned with the arrival of Branyan? I doubt it. The indians gave up way to much to get both LaPorta and Brantley (C.C. Sabathia to be exact) to let them languish in the Minor Leagues once again. But hey, it certainly could happen.

There had been considerable speculation that Cleveland would turn to the right-handed hitting Jermaine Dye to fill the insurance roll at 1B and in the outfield. Then there was talk of Hank Blalock getting that job. However, when it was all said and done the Indians turned to a familiar face---Russell Branyan.

Russell Branyan returns to the town where he began his career. He returns to a club that is desperate for power. He brings veteran leadership to a team that has few seasoned players.

So once again the Indians roster seems to be in a bit of flux--LaPorta, Branyan, Peralta, Hafner and Brantley. Mix and match. Are there enough at-bats to make everyone happy? Add that to the list of questions to be answered in Spring Training. One thing is certain. Russell Branyan brings a loud bat to a relatively quiet lineup. He might be a good option for fantasy owners to consider if home runs are needed and the owner and can spare a few batting average points here and there. Branyan will go deep. If he plays.