While rumors of big trades persist, the days before the July 31st trade deadline have been quiet, peppered only by small swaps. Cleveland dealt CR-L Russell Branyan to Milwaukee for future considerations on July 26th. The Indians left Branyan in the minors for the duration of his stay with the team after acquiring him from the Braves in late April. Branyan was hitting .288 with a .374 OBP and .591 SLG on 90 H, 16 2B, 2 3B, and 25 HR with a 42:102 BB:K and 5/7 SB% in 313 AB at AAA Buffalo in the International League when the Brewers acquired him.

Milwaukee hopes Branyan will be able to provide a boost to their offense while the Brewers strive to finish the season with a winning percentage above .500. The 28-year-old's contact rate likely will limit his contributions, but his power is real and he can take a walk. Branyan has assumed the starting job at third, however I imagine Milwaukee will grow irritated with his batting average before long and allow Wes Helms to reclaim some of his playing time, especially since Branyan did not cost the Brewers anything of note. As Cleveland is not likely to miss RHP Scott Sturkie, Branyan's pass through the organization was merely a nice bonus for their AAA affiliate.