Brewers, Braun Closing In On Deal?

by Eli Greenspan on Apr 24, 2008 6:15 PM EDT

According to sources close to Nez Balelo, Ryan Braun's agent, Balelo is in Milwaukee working on a deal for his client. This is a good sign for Brewers fans because Balelo was in Milwaukee two weeks ago talking about a deal, so this is a good indication that a deal could be close. Braun is hitting .247 with 3 HR, but the Brewers are not worried just yet. Braun has repeatedly told reporters that he is trying to find his comfort zone, and it is obvious that he is starting to heat up having hit .529 over the last four games. Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki broke the bank on a rookie contract, but I expect Braun to bring in a deal closer to forty million dollars buying out at least one year of free agency.

You hate to fill out a depth chart with the idea that a top prospect will come up and shine, but it is likely that Ryan Braun will move back to third in a couple years to make room for Matt LaPorta. The Brewers are very high on Corey Hart and have options in center, so moving Braun back to third and keeping LaPorta in his natural position seems likely. Nevertheless, getting a deal done now should help in negotiations with Prince Fielder.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

there is no way the brewers would move braun back to 3rd. Hart can play centerfield, and while he wont be jim edmonds out there, he will still be able to do the job just fine. besides that, braun's defense at 3rd was absolutely terrible last season, and milwaukee couldnt wait to sign mike cameron, which allowed bill hall to move to 3rd and braun to the OF. just because something looks good on paper doesn't mean it will happen

by Anonymous on Apr 24, 2008 6:32 PM EDT reply actions

LaPorta's 'natural position' is 1B... or C, which is what he played when he got to UF. LaPorta is being groomed for LF or RF, with Braun to man the other corner, and Hart will likely slide to CF.

Braun moving back to 3B has roughly a 0% chance of happening.

by Anonymous on Apr 24, 2008 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

Braun will never play 3rd again. His defense at that position is abysmal.

by Anonymous on Apr 25, 2008 9:13 AM EDT reply actions

You really think Matt LaPorta, who by all accounts is a gifted hitter and who's natural position is 1B, isn't the heir apparent to Fielder?

With Boras as his agent, there is a much smaller chance Fielder stays in Milwaukee, let alone the NL. The good news for Brewers fans is that they will get a haul for him when they deal him just prior to his free agency.

by Anonymous on Apr 25, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions

I think they will lock up Fielder. he is young enough to continue playing the position. they can always trade him at the end of the next contract.

these things always work themselves out on their own...the right players will play.

by Eli on Apr 25, 2008 5:26 PM EDT reply actions