Ryan Braun, 3B, Milwaukee Brewers

June 1, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Adam Barricklow
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

The Milwaukee Brewers have been on a major slide in the past few weeks, due in large part to an offense that has struggled to produce of late. Despite ranking second among National League teams in home runs through the month of May, the Brewers are only seventh in runs scored. With the Brewers ranking 11th in hits, 10th in RBI and 11th in batting average, it is clear that the offense needs a bit of a jump start. When the team placed relief pitcher Elmer Dessens (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list, third baseman Ryan Braun was called up in hopes that he could provide just that jump.

Braun was the team's first-round draft choice in 2005 (fifth overall) and has consistently delivered impressive numbers throughout the Brewers' farm system. In 2006, splitting time between Class A and Double-A, Braun had 22 home runs with 77 RBIs as well as a .289 batting average. He continued his strong run in the Arizona Fall League, where in just 25 games he had six home runs, 25 RBIs and a .326 batting average. Prior to being called up to the Brewers he was batting .342 with 10 home runs and 22 RBIs in Triple-A Nashville.

Another aspect of Braun's offensive game that is sure to attract fantasy owners is his ability to steal bases. With Braun able to contribute in so many offensive areas, he is sure to attract the attention of many fantasy owners. All of this led to Baseball America listing him as the No. 26 prospect in 2007.

During spring training, Braun showed that he had a bat that was ready for the major leagues by hitting .353 with five home runs in 11 games. Why so long in calling Braun up? In a word, defense. Despite his strong numbers from spring training, Braun had five errors.

With veteran infielders Craig Counsell and Tony Graffanino, as well as third baseman Corey Koskie (head) recovering from post-concussion syndrome, the team thought it best for Braun to improve his fielding in Triple-A. Braun converted to third base during his senior year at the University of Miami (Fla.) and has struggled in the field, particularly in making throws across the diamond. However, with the team's offensive struggles, Koskie still unable to return to the team and Counsell as well as Graffanino struggling at the plate, it seemed time. After just three errors in Nashville, it appears as if Braun will be given every chance to take over at third base.

Fantasy Outlook

The Brewers are not expecting Braun to carry them offensively, but in his second game with the team he showed just what he can contribute by going 3-for-4 with one home run, one RBI and a stolen base. While he is only hitting .250 though his first six games, it is still an improvement over Counsell and Graffanino's combined .214. The best news for Braun is that he has yet to commit an error. Braun is certainly worth an acquisition, although his value is higher in keeper league formats. He has the offensive tools to contribute in several different areas and as long as he does not implode fielding, the job is probably his to lose.

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Adam Barricklow

Adam Barricklow is based out of Central Ohio and has been a KFFL Contributor since 2003. Adam has been playing Fantasy Football since 1996 and has been addicted since day one. Adam plays in various leagues, running one of them and uses his experience and knowledge to create reports that are able to help the fantasy player look at every perspective.

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