• Branyan bio • Career stats

        ANAHEIM, Calif. — Russell Branyan's first assignment upon reporting to the Reds today will be getting acquainted with hitting coach Jim Lefebvre.

        The Reds want to see if Lefebvre can unlock Branyan's potential.

        The Reds obtained Branyan from the Cleveland Indians for minor-league infielder Ben Broussard. To make room for Branyan on the roster, the Reds put Jose Rijo on the 15-day disabled list.

        Branyan, a 26-year-old left-handed hitter, has big-time power; he hit 20 home runs in 315 at-bats last year. But he strikes out at an alarming rate — 132 times last year.

        “Russ has got a lot of potential,” said Sean Casey, who played with Branyan in the Cleveland organization. “He's got as much power as anybody. He's up there with (Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr.) as far as power.”

        “He'll spend most of his time sitting next to me on the bench,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “He's the kind of guy that you put up there in the sixth inning and if they make a mistake, he can get you the lead.”

        Branyan also gives the Reds some flexibility because he can play left field, right field, third base and first base.

        “If Aaron (Boone) needs a day, he can play third,” Bob Boone said. “If (Barry Larkin) needs a day, we can put Aaron at shortstop and play (Branyan) at third.”

        Branyan hit .205 with eight home runs and 17 RBI this year for the Indians, and struck out 65 times 161 at-bats. He started 40 games in left field and six at third base.

        “I think the change will be good for Russ, and good for us,” Casey said.

        Broussard, 25, was the Reds' second-round pick in 1999. He was hitting .273 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI at Triple-A Louisville at the time of the trade. The fact that Casey is signed through 2005, coupled with possibility of moving Dunn to first base, made Broussard expendable.

        Branyan is only a year older than Broussard and was designated Cleveland's top power-hitting prospect when he led the minor leagues with 37 home runs in 1997. He first made it to the majors in 1998, and last year was his first full year with the big club.

        Rijo has had some soreness in his shoulder for about a month, but moving him to the DL was done to open the spot for Branyan.

        “It's all right,” Rijo said. “I'll do whatever I can to help the ball team. I'm not throwing the way I want. Maybe two weeks will help me.”

        Rijo is 4-3 with a 5.20 ERA and has been ineffective in four of his last six starts. In the last two, he's allowed 11 runs in 8 2/3 innings (11.42 ERA).

        Boone was asked if it's possible that Rijo, who came back last year after six years and five surgeries, is at the end of his career.

        “Hell, yes,” Boone said. “But I don't know. He was near the end and he came back. I think if we protect him he might get better.”

        Rijo isn't thinking retirement.

        “It's too early to come to that conclusion,” he said. “I can go two, three innings with no problem. But I want to be a starter. I think I can do it.”

        Rijo will go on a shoulder-strengthening program. Boone said Rijo could make a rehab start in the minors.

        “I want him for September,” Boone said. “We're concerned because the last couple of times he hasn't been sharp. He needs to be as sharp as a tack.”

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