"The Yankees agreed to sign Russell Branyan to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training Wednesday.

The move does not impact the team's chances of adding another lefty bat and they remain in the hunt for Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Raul Ibanez.

But Branyan's presence could make things more difficult for Eric Chavez, since the 36-year-old can play both corner infield positions."