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<a href=http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=392285#post392285 target=_blank>Brewers Draft Ryan Braun in the First Round</a>
<b><font size=4>A-Rod endorses Brewers' draftee</font>
Pair met during offseason workout</b>
New York Yankees all-star Alex Rodriguez gave a glowing endorsement for the Milwaukee Brewers' first-round draft pick Monday, University of Miami third baseman Ryan Braun.
"I know he's a fantastic kid," said Rodriguez, who became acquainted with Braun while working out at the Hurricanes' baseball complex over the off-season.
"He's a special player, a special make-up guy. I thought it was a wonderful draft choice by the Brewers. He's going to have a fine major-league career."
After being asked to switch from shortstop to third base before the 2005 season at Miami, Braun sought counsel from Rodriguez, who made the same move after being traded from Texas to New York before last season. Rodriguez said Braun had the work ethic and athleticism to become a solid third baseman as a professional.
"I did tell him the point of being a good defender at the big-league level, and the importance of that to his team," Rodriguez said. "I told him his greatest value at the big-league level is to be able to play third base for the Milwaukee Brewers, vs. the corner outfield.
"People helped me out when I came up. It's invaluable as a young player to get advice like that. He listened, and hopefully it can help him. If he works hard, they'll have a great third baseman for the next 15 years in Milwaukee."
With Miami playing at Nebraska this weekend in the NCAA Super Regionals, and possibly on to the College World Series, the Brewers will wait for Braun's season to end to negotiate a signing bonus. But the Washington Nationals did them no favors by immediately signing University of Virginia third baseman Ryan Zimmerman for $2.975 million.
Washington took Zimmerman fourth in the first round, one pick ahead of the Brewers' selection of Braun. Because the players are so comparable, the price the Nationals paid for Zimmerman will directly affect negotiations between the Brewers and Braun.
Major League Baseball recommends certain signing bonuses in each slot in the first round and Washington probably exceeded its figure. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin wouldn't say what the recommended bonus is for the fifth spot but seemed surprised at the bonus Washington gave Zimmerman.
Drafting in the fifth spot last year, the Brewers signed high school pitcher Mark Rogers for $2.1 million. That figure was thought to be below the MLB recommendation.
<b><font size=4>News</font></b>
The Brewers are expected to move quickly this week to sign top draft pick Ryan Braun, a third baseman for the University of Miami. The Hurricanes were eliminated from the NCAA playoffs Saturday, leaving Braun open for negotiations.
<a href=http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=393859#post393859 target=_blank>On hold for now</a>
<b><font size=4>Braun closer to signing</font>
Agent says major issues apparently hammered out</b>
St. Petersburg, Fla - St. Petersburg, Fla. - The Milwaukee Brewers were on the verge of finalizing a deal with first-round draft pick Ryan Braun as negotiations continued Wednesday evening between the sides.
Braun, a third baseman for the University of Miami, was taken by the Brewers with the fifth overall pick of the 2005 draft.
After two days of talks between club scouting director Jack Zduriencik and Braun's agent, Nez Balelo, all of the major issues appeared to be hammered out.
"We're just about there," said Balelo. "The negotiations have been very good. Ryan wants to get out and play."
Though it appeared the sides had an agreement in principle, the cautious Zduriencik did not say the deal was done.
"We've been pretty close," said Zduriencik. "(Balelo) understands where we're at and we understand where he's at. It has been very cordial and professional."
Barring a setback, Braun probably will sign with the club before the week is out. The Brewers will bring him to Milwaukee on their home stand next week to work out with the major league club and be formally introduced to the media.
The Washington Nationals did the Brewers no favors by signing the fourth overall pick, University of Virginia first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, to a $2.975 million deal - more than was anticipated in that slot. The seventh player selected, Long Beach State shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, signed with Colorado for $2.3 million.
Obviously, Braun's deal will fall somewhere between those figures. The Brewers had the fifth pick last year and signed high school right-hander Mark Rogers for $2.2 million.
"The positive thing is the kid wants to play right away," said Zduriencik. "Everything has gone very well."
<b><font size=4>News</font></b>
Ryan Braun, the Milwaukee Brewers' first-round pick and fifth overall, was a second-team All-American for the Miami Hurricanes. The third baseman was expected to begin contract negotiations this week. Once he signs, Braun will be sent to Rookie League Helena before joining the West Virginia Power.
<a href=http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=394542&posted=1#post394542 target=_blank>Minor league report: Brewers looking ahead</a>
<b><font size=4>Signing time</font></b>
The Blue Jays announced the signing of first-round draft pick Ricky Romero, a pitcher from Cal State Fullerton, during a press conference Friday afternoon and introduced the 20-year-old lefty during the game.
The Brewers likely will make a similar move with their first-round pick, University of Miami third baseman Ryan Braun, next week.
Braun, who is believed to have agreed in principle to a deal worth $2.5 million, traveled to his home in California this week, presumably to pack and prepare for his pro career. A source close to the situation said that travel arrangements are being made for Braun to come to Milwaukee this week, where he will hold a press conference and take batting practice with the big-league club.
<b><font size=4>Draft notes</font></b>
The Brewers are very close to agreeing to terms with their No. 1 draft pick, University of Miami third baseman Ryan Braun. An announcement could come this week when the Brewers return home to host the Chicago Cubs. ... Right-hander Mark James, the team's 14th round pick from Ontario, signed a contract on Thursday night and threw a bullpen session with Brewers pitching coach Mike Maddux on Friday. "I was nervous," said the 17-year-old, who will report on Sunday to Maryvale Baseball Park in Arizona. "Everything was kind of all over the place." He watched Friday's Brewers-Jays game with his father, Carlton.
<a href=http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=394819#post394819 target=_blank>Ryan Braun Signs</a>
<b><font size=4>Attention to defense</font>
Braun’s fielding, not hitting, caught eye of Brewers scout</b>
In 58 games for the University of Miami this year, junior third baseman Ryan Braun amassed 18 homers in 219 at-bats.
It is interesting, then, that the ball that convinced the Milwaukee Brewers to make Braun their first-round pick (fifth overall) traveled only about 20 feet. Braun didn't even hit it.
The Hurricanes were playing an exhibition game against the Florida Marlins on March 1 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. On the first play, Marlins leadoff man Juan Pierre dropped a bunt down the third base line. Braun, a converted shortstop, charged in as Brewers scout Larry Pardo and East Coast cross-checker Bobby Heck watched from the stands.
"(Braun) just came in and barehanded it about 2 feet off the third-base line and tossed him out by maybe two steps," said Pardo, who had been monitoring Braun for more than two years and was watching for signs the youngster could handle himself at the corner.
"It was a tremendous play. I just said, 'Hands down, he can do this.' "
Braun also doubled off Dontrelle Willis in the game, which the Hurricanes won, 9-7. That evening, Pardo placed a call to his boss, Jack Zduriencik, the Brewers scouting director.
"Larry said, 'Look, I saw this guy in a big-league ballpark play against the Florida Marlins. If there is any doubt he can play third base, I don't see it. I think he can be there. He's going to be there for a long time,' " Zduriencik said.
"That was an important day, I think."
Saturday was important, too.
One week after signing a $2.45 million deal with the Brewers, Braun arrived at Miller Park, donned jersey No. 8 and worked out with the club before holding a news conference in front of his parents, Joe and Diane, his grandfather, Bob Robinson, and his agent, Nez Balelo.
"I'm extremely impressed with the facilities and the people," said Braun, 21. "Everybody I've met has been extremely helpful."
During the pre-game workout, Braun spent time and posed for a photo with J.J. Hardy (22 years old), Rickie Weeks (22) and Prince Fielder (21) - the players he is expected to join in the Brewers' "infield of the future."
"They were great," Braun said. "They were very insightful and helpful and provided me with some good advice. I enjoyed getting a chance to spend time with them."
Early this morning, Braun was scheduled to fly to Helena, Mont., where he was to join the Brewers' rookie league team and continue working on his adjustment to third base and hitting with a wood bat.
"I understand it's going to be a transition," he said. "With a wood bat, you don't have as much of a sweet spot on the bat. You have to center balls up more. It's not something I'm overly concerned about. I know if I go out there and work hard, I'll be fine."
Brewers manager Ned Yost was impressed with Braun's smooth hitting stroke during the early workout but noted that there were some minor rough spots to iron out with the youngster's fielding.
"His actions are shortstop actions," Yost said. "That will smooth out. He's got a lot of tools to work with."
Braun, who became more comfortable with each game at third base this season, doesn't expect major problems.
"I feel like I have the athleticism and versatility to be able to play a majority of the positions on the field, but I see myself as a third baseman," he said.On the shelf: The Brewers put veteran third baseman Jeff Cirillo (broken left hand) on the disabled list and purchased Trent Durrington's contract from Class AAA Nashville.
"He gives us something we haven't had all year - a little speed off the bench," Yost said, referring to Durrington.
To clear a spot for Durrington on the 40-man roster, the Brewers designated Sam Narron, a left-handed pitcher who underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last month. Assistant general manager Gord Ash said Narron will be waived Monday and then signed to a minor-league after he clears Wednesday.
Cirillo's injury occurred a week after Nashville third baseman Kevin Orie exercised an "out" clause in his contract. Orie subsequently signed with Washington and is now playing for the Nationals' top affiliate.
"It always happens that way," Ash said.
Durrington had been named to the Pacific Coast League all-star team last week. He will be replaced by Nashville outfielder Corey Hart.
<b><font size=4>Braun welcomed to Miller Park</font></b>
MILWAUKEE -- Brewers scout Larry Pardo knew he had his guy way back on March 1, more than three months before the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
Leading off a Spring Training tuneup against the University of Miami, Florida Marlins speedster Juan Pierre dropped a bunt up the third-base line toward a converted shortstop named Ryan Braun. Pardo had been following Braun for more than two years, so he obviously liked him, but with one scoop the 21-year-old cemented the Brewers' interest.
"It was a tremendous play," Pardo said. "I said, 'This kid can do this.'"
Braun, who moved over from shortstop before this, his junior season at Miami because the team needed a third baseman, also hit a double off a rusty Dontrelle Willis in Miami's 9-7 win over the Marlins. But more importantly, he made five or six defensive plays and removed any lingering doubt among scouting director Jack Zduriencik & Co. that he could help fill an organizational void at the hot corner.
"That was an important day, I think," Zduriencik said.
The Brewers drafted Braun fifth overall in the first round and he signed a contract last week, just a few days after his Miami squad was eliminated from an NCAA Super Regional. On Saturday, Braun donned a Brewers uniform with his name and No. 8 on the back for the first time at Miller Park.
He impressed manager Ned Yost with a sweet swing in early batting practice but showed that there is room for improvement at third base. Yost said Braun looked like exactly what he is -- a shortstop playing third base -- and, like Bill Hall has learned to do, Braun needs to slow down and develop some smoothness at the hot corner.
"I see myself as a third baseman down the line for the Brewers," said Braun, who hit .388 this season with 18 home runs and 76 RBIs in 58 games at Miami.
The Brewers offered a $2.45 million signing bonus and are convinced he can make it.
"The difference from shortstop to third base is major," Pardo said. "It's the ability to almost let the ball 'play you' sometimes at third base. His reactions are so quick and he is so athletic that he's made that adjustment. For me, most of the errors that were made early [were] because of his athletic ability. He just overextends his range."
Braun will also need to adjust to a wooden bat. He had a 6 a.m. flight Sunday that will eventually get him to Helena, Mont., where Braun will begin his professional career in the rookie Pioneer League. The Brewers are expected to promote him soon thereafter to Class A West Virginia.
"There's not any promises made," Zduriencik said. "What we want him to do is go out, get acclimated to pro baseball, get acclimated to wooden bats and then let the pieces fall where they may."
What's the priority -- defense or offense?
"Everything," said Braun, whose parents proudly looked on (his mother, Diane, is a marathoner and ran in the Miller Park sausage race). "In order for me to get where I need to be, I know and understand that I need to improve all aspects of my game. I'm just going to work hard every day, get better every day, and if I do that I'll eventually work my way back here."
<a href=http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/images/2005/06/25/rUGkingW.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/images/2005/06/25/rUGkingW.jpg border=0></a>
Future infielders (left to right) Rickie Weeks, Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and J.J. Hardy.
<b><font size=4>The future?</font></b>
Braun joined infield coach Rich Dauer's early defensive drills with a pretty intriguing group. Dauer also worked out first baseman Prince Fielder, 21, second baseman Rickie Weeks, 22, and shortstop J.J. Hardy, 22. That trio is already in the Majors and Weeks belted his first Major League home run in the first inning of Saturday's game against Johan Santana and the Twins.
THE Milwaukee Brewers' first-round pick, Ryan Braun, was batting .323 with a homer and eight RBI after seven games in Rookie League Helena.
By all reports, Braun should be moved to either low-A West Virginia or high-A Brevard County in the near future.
<b><font size=4>Brewers send 2005 first round pick to the Power</font></b>
CHARLESTON, WV (July 6, 2005) - The West Virginia Power, Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers have made a few more changes to their roster.
Today, third baseman Ryan Braun, the first round pick in the 2005 draft of the Milwaukee Brewers was added to the Power roster with two pitchers. Right-handed pitcher Eric Thomas and left-handed pitcher Steve Hammond were added to the Power roster along with Braun, all three players come to the Power from the Helena Brewers of the Pioneer League.
Braun, a product of the University of Miami hit .324 with 2 homeruns and 10 RBI in 9 games with the Helena Brewers. While pitching with Helena, Steve Hammond went 1-0 with a 1.06 ERA and recorded 23 strikeouts over 17 innings and Eric Thomas went 0-1 with a 2.53 ERA, holding opposing hitters to a .167 batting average.
To make room for the three Helena players, right-handed pitcher Forrest Martin was promoted to High-A Brevard County and both right-handed pitcher Dave Johnson and third-baseman Tony Festa were placed on the disabled list.
Martin went 1-5 with a 4.87 ERA in 10 appearances with the Power before the call up. Dave Johnson, a reliable option out of the bullpen before being placed on the disabled list with a sore right lat, was 3-2 with a save and a 3.71 ERA in 15 appearances. Third baseman Tony Festa was hitting .129 with 5 RBI over 19 games with the Power before he was sent to the disabled list with a right wrist contusion.
<b><font size=4>Brewers' top draft pick joins Power</font></b>
Ryan Braun, who was the Milwaukee Brewers' first-round pick (No. 5 overall) in the 2005 Major League draft, has been added to the West Virginia Power roster.
Braun, who starred at the University of Miami, was hitting .324 with two homers and 10 RBI in nine games for Helena in the Pioneer League before being promoted to the Power.
The power-hitting third baseman is expected to add needed punch to the middle of the Power batting order.
The Brewers also promoted two pitchers from Helena to West Virginia. The Power has added left-hander Steve Hammond, who was 1-0 with a 1.06 earned run average and had 23 strikeouts in 17 innings, and right-hander Eric Thomas, who was 0-1 with a 2.53 ERA and held opposing hitters to a .167 batting average.
To make room for the three players, Power right-handed pitcher Forrest Martin was promoted to high single-A Brevard County, while third baseman Tony Festa and right-handed pitcher Dave Johnson were placed on the disabled list.
<b><font size=4>Hot start</font></b>
Third baseman Ryan Braun, the Brewers’ No. 1 pick in the first-year player draft, was 4 for 9 in his first two games with Helena in the Pioneer Rookie League. Braun was 2 for 4 with a sacrifice fly in his debut Sunday, then went 2 for 5 with a fielding error Monday.
<b><font size=4>Off and running</font></b>
If his first two games were any indication, Ryan Braun should keep his bags packed down at rookie-level Helena. After a 6 a.m. flight with two layovers, he began his professional career at Helena on Sunday and the Brewers' first-round draft pick went 2-for-4, including a sacrifice fly in his first pro plate appearance.
He started his first game at third base on Monday and committed his first error, but went 2-for-5 with a double as Helena improved to 7-0. At some point, the Brewers are expected to promote Braun to Class A West Virginia.
<b><font size=4>In the Minors</font></b>
Ryan Braun, the Brewers' first-round pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, was promoted to Class A West Virginia after hitting .341 in 10 games at rookie Helena with two home runs, two doubles, a triple and 10 RBIs. Pitcher Steven Hammond, a sixth-round pick, was also promoted.
<b><font size=4>Former Miami (Fla.) recruits were bound by destiny</font></b>
Ryan Braun and Mark Rogers were bound to be teammates some day.
It was fate.
Just consider the circumstances.
When Rogers, a highly regarded pitcher for the West Virginia Power, was coming out of high school, he was signed, sealed and all but delivered to the University of Miami (Fla.). But, then, when the Milwaukee Brewers selected Rogers with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2004 Major League Draft, he said goodbye to south Florida.
And, consequently, to Braun.
"One of the reasons I was going to Miami is because they get great players like Ryan," said Rogers.
Braun was the Hurricanes' slugging third baseman.
But did Rogers' decision to start his pro career stop he and Braun from becoming teammates? No. It just delayed it one season, that's all.
It still seemed inevitable, though.
Especially when the Brewers took (who else?) Braun with the (what else?) fifth overall pick of the 2005 MLB Draft in June.
After a brief stop in rookie league ball in Helena, Braun was promoted to the Power late last week and, now, he and Rogers finally are teammates.
Which means in a little over a year, the duo has gone from prospective college teammates at Miami to multi-millionaires in the Mountain State.
"It's crazy," said the 19-year old Rogers, who received a $2.2 million signing bonus from the Brewers last season. "But it worked out real well actually. It's a pleasure to play with a guy with his ability. It's awesome to know that someone like that is playing third base for you every time you go out on the mound."
Now, the pair is making up for lost time.
"Mark took a visit (to Miami) and I didn't meet him, but actually I'm living with him now," said the 21-year old Braun, who received a $2.45 million bonus to sign after hitting .388 with 18 homers and 76 RBI as a junior at Miami. "He's a great kid and I think we'll have a good relationship. We definitely have a lot in common and even though he's a lot younger than me, I feel like he's someone that I can look to for some advice."
And for some idle chat about what could have been.
"He's a good guy," said Rogers, after the Power's 2-1 win over Hagerstown Sunday at Appalachian Power Park. "He moved in with us (along with reliever Justin Barnes) and he's been a pleasure to be around. It's going to be good to get to know him and play with him.
"We also talk Miami baseball a little bit. Actually I have a Miami hitch cover on the back of my truck and he said, ‘I like the looks of that,' so I think we'll be all right."
Power Manager Ramon Aviles agrees. In fact, he believes Braun is going to be more than all right.
Considering Aviles was a Major League middle infielder for four seasons with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, he knows a good infielder when he sees one.
And he sees one in Braun.
"He's looks very good at third base," said Aviles. "He's got good actions at third, he's got a strong arm and he has good hands."
Braun, along with shortstop Alcides Escobar, second baseman Hernan Iribarren and first baseman Grant Richardson, form a pretty solid infield for the Power.
"We have a good infield," said Aviles. "They're human beings and they're going to make mistakes, but they won't make mistakes too often.
"(Alcides) Escobar and (Hernan) Iribarren have been doing a great job," said Aviles, of his two All-Star middle infielders. "Richardson has improved a lot defensively since spring training and has improved a lot with the bat lately.
"We've got a good infield, including Josh Murray at third. He's been struggling at the plate a little lately, but we're going to work with him and get him some at-bats."
<b><font size=4>The brawn of Braun</font></b>
Ryan Braun, Milwaukee's first-round selection in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, continued to hammer the South Atlantic League at Class A West Virginia on Friday night, hitting a walk-off home run with two out in the ninth to help the Power beat Hickory, 6-4.
The fifth overall choice in 2005 went 3-for-5 on the night with a triple and three RBIs, extending his hitting streak to 12 games, a stretch during which Braun has hit .438. The heroics didn't come in time for fellow first-rounder Mark Rogers to get the win, after he allowed four runs on six hits with four walks and three K's in seven innings. The Brewers' first-round choice in 2004 is still looking for his second professional win.
Braun will also be playing alongside former teammates following the mass promotion of players from Rookie League entrant Helena, which won the Northern Division in the Pioneer League's first half. Angel Salome (.419, 50 RBIs in 36 games at Helena), Charlie Fermaint (.364, 12 home runs in 31 games) and Brendan Katin (.386, eight home runs in 33 games) will all be joining the Power after significant contributions to the title run. Salome was the team's fifth-round choice in 2005 and Fermaint a 2003 fourth-rounder.
Katin, a 23rd-round selection in the 2005 draft, also played with Braun at the University of Miami.
<b><font size=4>Brewers' Braun plots quick ascent through minor leagues</font></b>
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Mountains have replaced swaying palm trees as the backdrop to Ryan Braun's home ballpark, and he now swings wood bats instead of the more-forgiving metal ones he used at the University of Miami.
But seven weeks into his professional career one thing hasn't changed: Braun is still tearing the cover off the ball.
The No. 5 overall draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers this spring, 21-year-old Braun played 10 games for a rookie-league team in Helena, Mont., before being promoted in July to the West Virginia Power of the Class-A South Atlantic League.
Braun is one of the freshest professionals on the team, but has already made himself a center point of West Virginia's offense in his first 27 games. Coming into Monday's road game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers, he led regular starters with a .330 batting average and a .589 slugging average. He also had six home runs and 21 RBIs.
"When a kid like Ryan comes along and he swings that bat, it's obviously different from the way other Rookie or Single-A guys are doing it," said hitting coach Johnny Narron. "You just see the explosion in his hands that only special hitters have."
Manager Ramon Aviles said Braun has already fit in well with the team, despite the high profile that comes with being a top-five draft pick with a $2.45 million signing bonus.
"He's a humble, down-to-earth guy," Aviles said. "And he's eager to learn."
Coaches are paying special attention to Braun's defensive development since he just moved from shortstop to third base in his last year at college.
Some helpful pointers from Miami native Alex Rodriguez - who made a similar switch when he moved to the New York Yankees - helped get Braun on the right track while playing for the Hurricanes. But the move is still a work in progress, as illustrated by Braun's 10 errors since arriving in Charleston.
But Aviles sees Braun as a natural third baseman, and thinks his fielding will improve with practice and experience. And matched with his impressive bat-speed, Aviles doesn't think it will be long before Braun moves up the organizational ladder.
"I wouldn't be surprised that if he shows something in instructional league and spring training, he might make the jump to Double-A next season," Aviles said.
Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik said the team is pleased with Braun's progress, but cautions that the road to the majors can take unexpected turns.
"I've been around long enough to know that there's kids who surprise the heck out of you and move up real quickly, and others take a little longer than you hoped," Zduriencik said.
Either way, Braun's fans in West Virginia are largely resigned to the fact that their team's association with the third baseman will be fleeting.
"That's always a concern when you have a player of that caliber on a minor league team," said Steve White, a member of the Power's ownership group. "When a player excels, he'll be moved up.
"But he's fun to watch, and I fully expect to some day see him in the majors," he said.
Braun was undrafted out of Granada Hills High in Southern California after telling major league teams "what it would have taken to buy me out of that college education," he said
After three years at Miami, Braun was one of five finalists for the Golden Spikes Award given annually to the top college baseball player, and became the first Hurricanes player drafted in the first round since Pat Burrell went No. 1 overall to Philadelphia in 1998
"I loved every minute of college and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world," Braun said. "Not just baseball-wise and academically, but the social perspective of the contacts I was able to make and the people I was able to meet."
But now he's working on getting accustomed to focusing on nothing but baseball, which is "something that's definitely not always very glamorous or glorious," he said.
"Playing at home is great and we get some good fan support, but for road games we take five or 10 hour bus rides, stay in cheap motels and eat lots of fast food," Braun said. "There's a lot late nights and early mornings."
Braun is still getting accustomed to daily workouts and playing every night, which he says have taken a toll on his body.
But for all the talk of the challenges of the transition, Braun chuckles when reminded that he still leads the team in key hitting categories.
"It's a game of adjustments, like learning to shorten your swing a little bit," he said. "I guess I'm doing all right."
<b><font size=4>Braun ailing</font></b>
Third baseman Ryan Braun, the Brewers' first-round pick in June, will come to Milwaukee today to have his ailing right elbow examined by team physician William Raasch. Melvin said the original diagnosis was a sprain with no reason to expect worse, but the Brewers wanted to take every precaution.
"We just want our doctor to look at it," said Melvin. "We don't think it's anything serious. This is why we talk about making the draft later and shortening the minor league seasons."
Braun had just been promoted to high Class A Brevard County from low Class A West Virginia. He began the season with the rookie Helena club, batting .341 with two homers and 10 RBI in 10 games before moving up to West Virginia, where he hit .355 with 8 homers and 35 RBI in 37 games.
<b><font size=4>A minor setback</font></b>
Third baseman Ryan Braun, the Brewers' first-round draft pick in June, had his ailing right elbow examined by team physician William Raasch. Braun said the diagnosis was a slight strain of the ulnar collateral ligament, which should heal with a few weeks of rest.
"I'm going to go to Arizona for a couple of weeks of rest, then get ready for instructional league," said Braun. "It's just a little bit of fatigue. It's a longer season than I'm used to."
Braun had just been promoted to high Class A Brevard County from low Class A West Virginia. He began the season with the rookie Helena club, batting .341 with two homers and 10 RBI in 10 games before moving up to West Virginia, where he hit .355 with 8 homers and 35 RBI in 37 games.
Braun, who received a $2.45 million signing bonus as the fifth player taken in the draft, said he was pleased with his decision to get his pro career going as soon as possible.
"There's no question about it. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made," he said. "It was an invaluable experience. I really enjoyed myself and I learned a lot every day."
<b><font size=4>Not so lucky</font></b>
Brewers head physician William Raasch confirmed Thursday that No. 1 draft pick Ryan Braun has a mild sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Braun traveled from Milwaukee to Arizona, where he will rest up for Instructional League play next month.
"There's no situational damage or anything like that," said Braun, a third baseman selected fifth overall out of the University of Miami and given a $2.45 million signing bonus. "Obviously, this was a longer season than I was accustomed to playing, and my body broke down a little bit."
Braun was promoted to advanced Class A Brevard County last week but was shut down before playing his first game there. In 47 games at rookie Helena and Class A West Virginia, he batted .352 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs.
"I really enjoyed myself," he said. "I feel like I definitely improved and got better every day."
<a href=http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=422593#post422593 target=_blank>Prospects attend cooking seminar</a>
<a href=http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=446666&posted=1#post446666 target=_blank>High hopes</a>
<b><font size=4>Notebook</font></b>
Third baseman Ryan Braun, the Brewers' No. 1 draft pick last year, made a pair of nice plays in two innings of work Sunday. "He looked outstanding," Yost said. "One ball was smoked and he made it look like a slow roller."
<b><font size=4>Finding his way</font></b>
Third baseman Ryan Braun, the Brewers' first-round draft pick in 2005, filled in for Koskie over the final five innings against the Diamondbacks and went 2 for 3 with an RBI.
Braun batted .352 with 10 homers and 45 RBI in 47 games in his first minor-league season. He was shut down at the end of the season with a strained elbow but said he was completely recovered from that injury.
"It feels great," Braun said. "It was pretty much fine after instructional league (in the fall). Sometimes an injury like that makes you realize the importance of doing all the exercises to strengthen your shoulder and the areas around the elbow, to take pressure off."
<b><font size=4>Braun promoted</font></b>
Third baseman Ryan Braun, the Brewers' first-round draft pick in 2005, was promoted from Class A Brevard County to Class AA Huntsville. Braun was batting .269 with seven homers and 36 RBI in 58 games for the Manatees.
Braun has been selected to play for the U.S. squad in the All-Star Futures Game on July 9 in Pittsburgh.
<b><font size=4>In the Minors</font></b>
The Brewers announced that 2005 first-round draft pick Ryan Braun would be promoted from Class A Brevard County to Double-A Huntsville. Braun hit .269 at Brevard County with seven home runs and 36 RBIs and was a member of the Florida State League All-Star team last weekend.
Also on Wednesday, Braun was named to the U.S. squad for the 2006 All-Star Futures Game in Pittsburgh. Fast-rising teammate Yovani Gallardo will pitch for the World squad.
Triple-A Nashville pitching coach Stan Kyles will serve as a coach for the U.S. team. The game is scheduled for July 9, at 3 p.m. CT and will be televised live on ESPN2.
<b><font size=4>Touching base with Ryan Braun</font>
Brewers prospect gives his take on many topics</b>
With the fifth-overall pick in the 2005 Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers selected sweet-swinging Ryan Braun out of the University of Miami. After a solid debut season with the Class A West Virginia Power last summer, Braun has continued his hot hitting into his 2006 campaign with the Class A Brevard County Manatees.
Known for his impressive offensive tools, Braun was a leading Manatee at the 40-game mark with a .306 average, 11 doubles, a triple, six home runs and 12 stolen bases.
MLB.com recently caught up with Braun, who was happy to speak about his game, his dreams of one day calling from the booth and the immense impact Yankees star Alex Rodriguez has had on the way Braun approaches the game on and off the field.
<b>The Brewers drafted you roughly a year ago. Take us back to draft day. What was it like to hear your name called?</b>
It was just an incredible feeling. It was kind of a culmination of everything I've worked for so far in my baseball career. It felt great to be rewarded for all my hard work up to that point. I was with my family, my teammates at the University of Miami, my coaches -- we were all watching the draft on the computer in my coach's office.
<b>From a Hurricane to a Power in 2005, and now in your first full professional season, how has the transition been from college to pro ball?</b>
It's definitely been different, you're playing every day. In college, you fly everywhere. In the Minor Leagues, there's a lot of long bus rides and you stay in cheap motels -- in college, you stay in pretty nice places. A lot more fast food! I think the biggest adjustment is getting used to playing every day, and adjusting to the travel schedule. Trying to eat well is difficult at times.
<b>After 37 games for the Power in 2005, you moved up the organizational ladder with many of the same teammates. How much has the familiarity with your teammates impacted your game on and off the field?</b>
I mean, it definitely contributes. I think that's something that makes it that much more enjoyable. It's great when you have that camaraderie, that team chemistry both on and off the field.
<b>The current Brewers lineup features four former first rounders: Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Geoff Jenkins and Ben Sheets. As a Brewers top pick, has the success of future teammates been a factor in how you approach the game?</b>
It's encouraging. It's great to see those guys having so much success. I just strive to get where they are, but at the same time, obviously my situation is different from theirs. I just need to go out there and work hard every day and, hopefully, get to where they are at, sooner rather than later.
<b>As far as outside predictions go, do they tend to affect your game at all? A recent prediction had you in the Brewers lineup by 2008, only two years away.</b>
I want to get there as soon as possible. I want to make sure that I'm fully prepared and that I'm ready for the time that I do get there. I try not to think too much about those types of things. I just try and work hard every day, learn from what I'm doing here. I know eventually everything will fall into place for me.
<b>As a player, what do you feel are your strengthens? Weaknesses?</b>
Confidence. I have a lot of belief in my ability in all facets of the game. As far as weaknesses go, I would have to say consistency. The biggest thing I've realized is the importance of being consistent -- offensively, defensively, baserunning, your approach to the game, in everything you do -- it's important to be consistent.
<b>Who, out of former and current Major League players, would you say you most emulate your own game after?</b>
I grew up liking Alex Rodriquez a lot. I like the way he carries himself both on and off the field and he obviously has achieved a tremendous amount of success. I think people generally view him as being a good person and that is something I pride myself on as well.
<b>Ranging from tee ball to pro ball, who has been the biggest influence on your career? What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given?</b>
I would say my parents. They constantly remind me to just have fun. You're so fortunate to have the opportunity to play this game professionally, and I think when you get too caught up in having a bad day, frustrated when you're not doing well, you have to just realize the importance of having fun. It's still the same game I've played since I was a little kid. I just out there every day and appreciate the opportunity that I have.
<b>How about your own set of advice to a kid who wants to get drafted, what would you say to them?</b>
Go out there and work hard, do what you have always done. If you just go out there and work as hard as you can, and take pride in your work ethic, then I think people will appreciate your talents and you'll be rewarded for your hard work.
<b>When you hang up the cleats, what would you want fans, teammates and coaches to remember you most for?</b>
Just being a good guy who played the game the right way. I just want to go out there, work hard every day, have people appreciate the fact that I played the game the right way and worked hard every day.
<b>How about your career after the game?</b>
I don't know. I mean, I love sports, so maybe broadcasting, some type of communication involving sports, maybe something on ESPN. I don't really know, but hopefully that's a long ways away and I don't have to think too much about it.
<b>With the season under way, what do you hope to accomplish in 2006? </b>
My goal is just to work hard every day and to continue to improve, help my team win as many games as possible, in as many ways as possible.
Back to the future (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=508826#post508826)
Around the Horn: Corner Infielders (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=509036&posted=1#post509036)
Ryan Braun showed that the future isn't far away. It could be coming as soon as April for Milwaukee's 2005 first-round draft pick.
The 23-year-old third baseman seems ready to join a young infield that includes Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder after an outstanding Arizona Fall League campaign that saw him hit .326 with six home runs and 25 RBIs for the Scottsdale Scorpions. He led the league in doubles (nine) and extra-base hits (16) while finishing second in homers and slugging percentage (.641) and third in RBIs.
Brewers (http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070202&content_id=1792690&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil)
Future Sounds Head Brewers' Top Prospects List (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=509537#post509537)
Phoenix - Ned Yost was asked Monday just how much third-base prospect Ryan Braun could improve his defense over six weeks of spring training.
"We're fixing to find out," the Milwaukee Brewers' manager said with a smile.
With third baseman Corey Koskie still recovering from post-concussion syndrome and not ready to participate at the outset of camp, Braun figures to get a solid chance to show what he can do. What Yost wants to see, primarily, is defensive improvement.
"To his credit, he's very serious about it," Yost said. "He knows where we stand."
JS Online: Notes: Braun's defense an area of focus (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=567421)
Ready, set, go (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=510651#post510651)
A dash of soreness for duo (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=510806#post510806)
Player: Ryan Braun
Date: 05/17/2007
Action: Placed on the 7-day DL
From Team: Nashville Sounds
To Team: Nashville Sounds
The REAL reason you haven't seen Ryan Braun yet (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=514043#post514043)
Player: Ryan Braun
Date: 05/19/2007
Action: Activated from the 7-day DL
From Team: Nashville Sounds
To Team: Nashville Sounds
Player: Ryan Braun
Date: 05/24/2007
Action: Contract Purchased
From Team: Nashville Sounds
To Team: Milwaukee Brewers
Brewers promote top prospect Braun (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=514256#post514256)
Braun named NL Rookie of the Year (http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=519099#post519099)
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