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    Branyan files for free agency

    Branyan files for free agency

    By Matthew Leach / MLB.com |
    ST. LOUIS -- Russell Branyan became the fifth Cardinal to file for free agency on Tuesday, the second day that potential free agents could file.

    St. Louis acquired Branyan from the Phillies for future considerations on Aug. 31. Eventually, the clubs settled on cash as the compensation rather than a player. Branyan went 6-for-32 (.156) with a home run, four runs, two RBIs and seven walks in 21 games as a Cardinal.

    Given that St. Louis has starting third baseman Scott Rolen and backup Scott Spiezio under contract for 2008, and Aaron Miles and Brendan Ryan under team control, it is unlikely that the club will make any strong bid to retain Branyan. He was acquired after Rolen shut it down for the season due to shoulder troubles.

    Teams have exclusive negotiating rights with their own free agents until Nov. 12.

    Filing Monday were David Eckstein, Troy Percival, Miguel Cairo and Kip Wells. Eckstein and Percival are Type B free agents, meaning that if the Cardinals offer them arbitration and they sign elsewhere, St. Louis receives limited Draft pick compensation.

    Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.