Waiver wired: Add Branyan, Salty

NATIONAL LEAGUE

RUSSELL BRANYAN, 3B/OF, BREWERS

Sure, the Milwaukee lumberjack has whiffed 28 times in 74 at-bats.

This, after all, is still Russell Branyan, master of the 450-foot HR and the swing-and-miss that can be felt from Sheboygan.

Still, if you're in the market for a quick and easy power fix, Branyan may still be floating on your wire, despite his 10 HR and 17 RBI since his May 25 call-up.

Braynan came up in the Cleveland organization and boasts six double-digit HR seasons on his resume, despite recording more than 217 at-bats just one time.

He appears to be getting all starts against right-handers, and currently sports a .297 average, but be very aware of his .231 career mark.

As long as he sticks in the OF, Branyan's almost a lock for a dozen HRs the rest of the season and hitting sixth in a strong lineup, he could record 40+ RBI, even playing 2/3 of the time.

And don't sweat all the K's. With every whiff comes a possible long ball around the corner.


AMERICAN LEAGUE

JARROD SALTALAMACCHIA, C, RANGERS

Salty's stock rose tremendously on the news that Texas co-starting catcher Gerald Laird would miss 4-6 weeks with a left hamstring strain.

While we would never root for an injury, especially of the hammy variety, regular playing time is what was keeping Saltalamacchia from being picked up regularly.

Pre-injury, Salty was only good for roughly half the starts. Two games on, two games off. He couldn't even buy a start at DH or 1B.

But now, it looks like five starts a week and as the centerpiece of the Mark Teixeira trade last July, you know there's talent there.

Of course, his current line of 3 HR/.219/15 RBI is hovering around the Fantasy Mendoza line, the future looks bright and Salty has started six of the last seven games.

Rookie Max Ramirez has been called up to back him up and play some 1B, but unless he catches fire, Salty remains Option A in Arlington.

Could your backstop use an upgrade?