The Mariners added some potential punch to their roster Wednesday, when they signed free agent Russell Branyan to a one-year contract.

The 11-year Major League veteran has hit 133 home runs and driven in 320 runs in 766 games.

"Russell gives us a veteran left-handed bat with power and can be used as a first baseman, third baseman or designated hitter," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "One of our offseason goals is to add some left-handed power to our club. The addition of Russell accomplished some of that."

It also appears to give the Mariners their starting first baseman heading into Spring Training.

"It looks that way," Zduriencik said. "I know what Russell can do. I've seen him put spurts together that can be very impressive."

Branyan, who will be 32 years old on Dec. 19, played for the Brewers last season, batting .250 with 12 home runs and 20 RBIs in 50 games. He started the season at Triple-A Nashville, hit .359 with 12 home runs, drove in 36 runs in 45 games and was promoted on May 25.

He started 33 games at third base, two at first base and went 5-for-11 with two home runs as a pinch-hitter for the Brewers. His season was interrupted in mid-August when he sustained a right oblique strain and didn't return to action until Sept. 23.

While Branyan figures to get most of his playing time with the Mariners at first base, he also could see action at designated hitter, where 17 players combined to hit .221 with 15 home runs and 77 RBIs last season.

He is prone to strike out, but Seattle needs runs and Branyan also has a run-producing history.

"Russell is going to swing and miss and will have his strikeouts," Zduriencik said, "but Russell also is going to hit the ball out of the ballpark."

And Branyan can hardly wait to put a bat in his hands and start swinging.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to be considered a possible starter there at first base," Branyan said. "I'm going to come [to camp] in the best shape of my life and with the expectation of providing a solid bat and a solid option to play first base."

The short right-field seats at Safeco Field should help the veteran.

"I'm the type of hitter that when I'm going well and putting quality at-bats, I hit the ball with power to all fields," Branyan said during a conference call. "I've played in the ballpark in the past, and I've done well. I've hit some homers there. I enjoy playing there from a defensive side and an offensive side.

"There is a lot of room in the gaps there, and if you get one in the air, it can be rewarding as well."

Branyan said he received several offers, including one from Japan, but liked what the Mariners have to offer.

"Seattle was very intriguing," he said. "In no way shape or form are they a product of the 100-loss season last year. They're a much better team than that. I know Jack from my Milwaukee days, and knowing and understanding what he's all about and his vision from a baseball mind in what he wants to put together, I think his philosophy and his vision for a team will definitely work out.

"I had other options, but I really like what I've been reading about the moves Seattle has made, from a front-office standpoint and a coaching standpoint."