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Revision as of 02:24, 9 January 2007 by Epeefleche (talk | contribs) (→Minor league career)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)- This article is about the Milwaukee Brewers minor league third baseman. For the Kansas City Royals pitcher see Ryan Braun (Pitcher).
Ryan Joseph Braun (born November 17, 1983 in Granada Hills, California) is an American right-handed third baseman baseball player with the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball.
High school
Braun, who is Jewish, graduated from Granada Hills High School in 2002, but went undrafted at the time.
College
He continued his amateur career at the University of Miami, where he was named a first-team "Freshman All-American," as well as "National Freshman of the Year" by Baseball America in 2003. He clinched the awards by batting .374 with 74 RBI and 17 home runs.
During his junior year, his final and most successful at Miami, Braun batted .396 with 18 home runs, 75 RBI, and 26 stolen bases. These stats eventually earned Braun a spot as one of the finalists for the "Golden Spikes Award," the most prestigious individual award in college baseball.
Minor league career
The Milwaukee Brewers drafted Braun in the 1st round (5th overall) in the 2005 Amateur Baseball draft as a third baseman. The team's plan is for Braun to join the Brewers infield eventually with teammates Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, and J.J. Hardy. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Braun's game is his power at the plate, despite his not having the physically imposing build of most major league power hitters.
In addition, Braun's display of speed during his final season at Miami garnered him comparisons to New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. The consensus among pro scouts was that Braun was the most gifted athlete in the 2005 draft, and perhaps the most polished player overall; he is a five-tool player.
Braun began the 2006 campaign in Single-A Brevard County (Florida) as a member of the Manatees. In 59 games, he compiled a .274 batting average to go with 7 home runs, 37 RBI, and 14 stolen bases, stats that earned him a spot in the Florida State League All-Star game.
On June 21, 2006, Braun was promoted to Class-AA Huntsville Stars (Alabama) of the Southern League, where he finished the 2006 season with a .303 average, 15 home runs, 40 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. Collectively between Class-A and Class-AA, Braun finished with a .289 average, 22 home runs, 77 RBI, and 26 stolen bases.
Braun played in the 2006 All-Star Futures Game in Pittsburgh.
In 2006 in the Arizona Fall League he hit .326/.396/.641 in 92 at-bats.
On September 23rd, Braun received the Milwaukee Brewers Minor League player of the year award.
Major league career
Milwaukee Brewers
In 2005 Braun was given 6 at bats in the Brewers major league spring training camp, and batted .500.
Defense
Braun is noted for his athleticism. He has a cannon for an arm, and great speed.
Hitting
Braun has the ability to hit for average and power. His swing is compact and short, and he is a pull hitter with very good bat speed and strong wrists. He drives the ball no matter where it is in the strike zone.
Miscellaneous
Braun is one of the highest-drafted Jewish-American athletes in the history of professional baseball. The New York Yankees made Ron Blomberg the number one pick in the 1967 draft.
Braun was considered by some to be the best Jewish minor league baseball prospect in 2006.
External links
- Article on Braun's Freshman of the Year Award.
- Ryan Braun Minor League Splits and Situational Stats
- Player Page at Brew Crew Ball