Re: Ryan Braun: I Don't Know If I'll Be With Brewers Next Year

[RealGM Wiretap]

Ryan Braun isn't sure if he'll be with the Milwaukee Brewers when spring training begins.

"Not knowing 100 percent where [I'll] be playing is hard. It definitely complicates things," Braun said. "Obviously, things come up. It's a part of the business. It's a part of the profession. If something were to happen, we'd figure it out when we get there."

Braun has a limited no-trade provision but would have the ability to block any swap starting in late May, when he becomes a 10-year veteran who has spent his past five seasons with his current team.

"I get asked about it regularly," David Stearns said of a possible trade. "I know that's a big story this offseason, but I'm very happy that Ryan is a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. I expect him to be a member of the Milwaukee Brewers going forward. I'm happy that he's here at the event today."

Via ESPN

[mawbsta]

What he should be saying is

"My steroid use has complicated things..."
Because prior to the steroid ban, Braun was a force to be reckoned with that NO TEAM would be trading away. The 6 seasons leading into the ban he was a perennial, 6-time all-star and league MVP averaging 180 hits, 35-105 .320BAA with back-to-back 30-30 seasons! Since he returned he has been a shadow of his dominant (juiced) self, and nowhere near an MVP candidate, nor someone the team can bank on for the amount they shelled out for what looked like a shoe-in hall-of-famer.

For direct comparison, I have looked at;

The 3 seasons prior to steroid ban 461G 566H 99HR 326RBI 318R, 1002 total bases, .320 hitter, 1 MVP, 3 all-star
The 3 seasons since reinstatement 410G 441H 74HR 256RBI 235R, 767 total bases, .280 hitter, 0 MVP, 1 all-star

Okay stats. Not other-world stats like he was putting up.
He should be concerned about his future.