Branyan Wants To Return To Seattle In 2010

Russell Branyan would like to return to Seattle next season, according to Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times. Branyan signed a 1-year, $1.4MM deal with the Mariners last offseason, and has taken advantage of an increase in playing time in 2009, batting .251/.347/.520 with 31 homers."I'd love to come back here," Branyan said. "I enjoy playing in this ballpark, I enjoyed getting to play on an every-day basis this year. I'd be excited to entertain the option to come back here next year."While Branyan is currently on the disabled list and has slumped since the All-Star break (.193/.274/.414), his overall performance this season has exceeded expectations. If the Mariners were to re-sign him, they would certainly be giving more years and more money this time around to the career .234 hitter.