Distractions don’t affect Ryan Braun’s game

Phoenix - Off the field, Ryan Braun has been a magnet for controversy the past year and a half. On the field, he has never performed better.

How does he do it? How does the Milwaukee Brewers' all-star leftfielder block out the increasing array of distractions created by links to the world of performance-enhancing drugs?

"The guys with the makeup that can put things aside are a special breed," said Brewers manager Ron Roenicke, who has marveled at Braun's ability to insulate himself from the outside world when he steps between the white lines.

"I think he can overcome some things that mentally some other guys are not able to do. They are going to perform better because they can do that."

For his first five seasons in the major leagues, Braun carefully polished a squeaky clean image as one of the game's rising stars. He was one of the most popular players in the game, earning a starting spot on the National League all-star team four consecutive years in balloting by fans.

Then came the stunning news in December 2011 that Braun had tested positive for an extremely high level of testosterone just days after putting the wraps on an MVP season in which he batted .332 with 33 home runs, 111 runs batted in, 109 runs scored and 30 stolen bases.

The Major League Baseball drug program is designed to be confidential, but the test result was leaked to the media and Braun's saga played out publicly, including his appeal of a pending 50-game suspension. Even when Braun's defense team had the test result overturned, he received little benefit of the doubt because MLB officials made it clear they believed he escaped merely through a chain-of-custody technicality, going as far as firing arbitrator Shyam Das for his ruling.

Under intense scrutiny to see if he could continue his high level of performance in 2012, Braun quieted critics with another big season. He batted .319 with a league-high 41 home runs, 112 RBI, 108 runs scored and 30 stolen bases, finishing second to San Francisco's Buster Posey in the MVP balloting.

"I've always said through adversity you determine somebody's character," said Braun, 29. "It's really easy to do well when things are going well. When you face adversity, that's when you see what you're made of.

"Ultimately, my job is to be the best baseball player I can be and try to help my team win games. That's what I did last year and that's what I'll continue to do. I've always been positive and optimistic and I never allow outside distractions or negativity to affect that.

"Certainly, it was challenging. But the goal every year is to be productive. The challenge in this game is consistency and longevity. Certainly, last year I dealt with some challenges and adversity. It was rewarding for sure."

But the adversity was not over. Shortly before the start of spring training, Yahoo Sports reported that Braun's name was in the log books of the Biogenesis clinic outside of Miami, a facility linked to selling performance-enhancing drugs to baseball players. Braun reported to the Brewers' camp with that cloud over his head, again claiming his innocence but declining to answer questions on the subject from reporters.

Next came an ESPN report with Braun's name appearing in more logs of clinic operator Tony Bosch, supposedly linking him to PEDs but proving nothing. As MLB continues its investigation of that clinic and its ties to baseball players, Braun has continued his daily routine in camp as if nothing is amiss.

One of the game's elite offensive players, Braun nevertheless has absorbed significant damage to his image, especially outside of Milwaukee. Skeptics note he says he has nothing to hide but won't answer questions. Braun has not provided evidence of his claim that his attorneys used Bosch merely as a consultant.

And so it goes. To this point, Braun has been proven guilty of nothing. And he well could survive this latest round of circumstantial evidence and innuendoes. If it goes the other way, he will have some explaining to do and the Brewers will have to grit their teeth and continue forward with their star player signed through 2020 at more than $100 million.

Meanwhile, Roenicke has every reason to expect another big year from Braun, no matter how many barbs and arrows are flung his way.

"I know what happened after the (appeal) decision when we went to different ballparks," said Roenicke, referring to the constant booing Braun heard from fans.

"The thing that was impressive was the way he played last year he had the same year, was second in MVP. Could have been MVP."

Entering what should be the prime years of his career, Braun figures to build upon an amazing offensive legacy. A finalist for a Gold Glove the last two seasons, he also has evolved into a solid leftfielder after struggling through an error-filled, rookie-of-the-year season at third base in 2007.

"I actually wanted to go back to shortstop. I still want to go back to shortstop," said Braun, who played that position until being moved to third base at the University of Miami. "I was good at short. Third base was never for me.

"I knew (the position change) was going to be challenging; I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I feel like I've made strides; I continue to get better. I was confident that I would become an above-average defender. I think I'm well on my way to getting there.

"Certainly, there's room for improvement. I work at it every day. The goal is to have my defense catch up to my offense."

Anything seems possible when Braun steps between those white lines. Instead of remaining in a protective cocoon in Brewers camp while the Biogenesis controversy swirls around him, he remains committed to playing in the international spotlight of the World Baseball Classic for Team USA.

"He's got a really strong mind," said Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez. "Once the game starts, he really focuses just on the game. That's his own world right there.

"You've got to approach it that way - just go out and play the game and don't worry about anything else. He can't control what the fans think of him or if they boo or cheer. The only thing he can control is his game. He's one of the best at that."

BY THE NUMBERS
5 Consecutive seasons in which Ryan Braun has driven in more than 100 runs.
1,089 Hits for Braun in 883 games in the major leagues.
12 Errors for Braun in five seasons since moving from third base to left field.
3 Home runs in a game for Braun last April 30 in San Diego (first player to do so there).
202 Career homers for Braun, already fifth on Brewers' all-time list.


(jsonline.com)