Ryan Braun as an OF

by ufoboy90 on Apr 16, 2007 5:35 PM EDT

Much has been made of Ryan Braun's defensive struggles at 3B, and those who say he won't cut it at 3B in the bigs say he's going to stick in an OF corner.

This off season, Braun was usually ranked the the 20-40 range of prospects. If he moves off 3B, how much does this affect his value?

As many know, he absolutely raked this spring (.353/.405/.912), and has continued his play in AAA, with 4 HR's this weekend, giving him a AAA line of .343/.425/.886. It's a small sample size, but not extremely small, and his numbers are out of control.

Anyways, assuming passable defense, where does Braun rank as a 3B? As an OF, how far does he slide down the list?

If Braun is considered an OF, is he as good of a prospect as Bruce, Maybin, or Upton?

Go Brewers!

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Depends on his OF D

Those guys all profile as above average defensive outfielders. From what I understand his defense isn't great because of his bad footwork. He has above average speed so he would be a quality corner guy. I think he should be on there level is probably most likely to reach his ceiling at this point. .300/30-40HR/10-15SB. Then the rest. Those other guys might have higher ceilings though.

by JD Sussman on Apr 16, 2007 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

Braun's D

Braun has good overall speed and also a very strong throwing arm. He has all the tools to become an above average corner outfielder.

On the other hand, you could say the same thing about him as a third baseman; he definitely has the tools required to play third base but hasn't worked out important issues of positioning, footwork, etc.

by FI @ Minor League Ball on Apr 16, 2007 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

He'll be given every opportunity at 3rd...

I think the Brewers will give him every opportunity to become adequate at 3rd, probably see him spend half the season at the hot-corner in the minors, however if he doesn't look to be improving, I think they'll stick him in the OF and call him up to get his bat in Milwaukee.

What corner OF would he play? LF or RF?

by BaseballJonze on Apr 16, 2007 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

If an Outfielder

Braun would be a faster version of Pat Burrell who was also an outstanding 3rd baseman for the Canes who was moved from 3rd because of below average D.

by Bravesin07 on Apr 16, 2007 7:30 PM EDT reply actions

Braun in RF

3B - Bill Hall
CF - Corey Hart / Gabe Gross
RF - Ryan Braun
Reserve - Tony Graffanino and Craig Counsell

Looks good to me.

by jonk1982 on Apr 16, 2007 10:28 PM EDT reply actions

eh i like braun

but i would never put him in maybin/bruce/upton or mccutchen class

by High Heater on Apr 17, 2007 12:23 AM EDT reply actions

Oh yeah?

Maybin and Bruce both look like future stars but, Upton will be lucky if he EVER hits the baseball like Braun...or even close. Hes flunking the Cal League right now. I know hes really young but, so was Gary Sheffield when he was there there. I like McCutchen, I think hes the next marquis Grissom but, he cant hit like Braun either. Braun is better than those 2, I think.

casedog

by casejud on Apr 17, 2007 2:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Sheff

Just because Sheffield was good there 20 years ago, and Upton is off to a slow start proves nothing. I'm sure you could find someone who didn't dominate there as a 20 year old and went on to be a star just as easily.

Rios is the next Juan Gonzales, thats right, I said it.

by KaoticKlown on Apr 17, 2007 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Clarify

Just to clarify, I think Upton is being a bit overrated until he does start to dominate (if he does), just that is a bad way to prove your point.

Rios is the next Juan Gonzales, thats right, I said it.

by KaoticKlown on Apr 17, 2007 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions

hes older

brauns like 4-5 years older then upton dude....

by High Heater on Apr 17, 2007 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Braun

I know, I was just responding to the post above me.

Rios is the next Juan Gonzales, thats right, I said it.

by KaoticKlown on Apr 17, 2007 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

I have to disagree

I think thats a pretty ridiculous statement. How could he not even been in there class? He has proven a lot more already and can flat out rake. I love how people are enamored with young projectable athletic hitters but fail to realize that there are players who have been there and done that. Upton has proven nothing! Maybe his ceiling is higher but by no means would I take him over Braun in this point of his career.

by JD Sussman on Apr 17, 2007 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Braun

I still believe that Braun will be an adequate 3B. His problem isn't the glove, it's his throwing. He can pick it at third, but who knows where the throw will end up. Personally, I think this is a correctable problem. If you saw him play in Spring Training, he seems to be rushing his throws to first. He needs to improve his footwork and trust his strong arm. Let's also remember his missed over a week due to a sore throwing elbow during camp. He'll get this figured out.

On a side note: Rickie Weeks has looked really good at 2B so far. If he can figure it out defensively, then Braun can as well.

"Rule #76. No excuses, play like a champion!"

by andy 5 on Apr 17, 2007 10:21 AM EDT reply actions