Ryan Braun enters his fourth season on the brink of greatness

PHOENIX — There might not be "a breakout" season for Ryan Braun.

That's because since his call-up to the majors in early 2007, Braun, the Milwaukee Brewers' left fielder, has put up seasonal numbers worthy of any career year.

His work ethic, preparation and execution highlight the potential of an explosive career. Still just 26, Braun maintains the capability to reach a level with other giants and hold company with pantheons of the game.

Already, Braun's numbers have drawn comparisons to those of Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio. With just two full seasons in the major leagues, this connection could be reaching, and Braun acknowledges he has a long way to go to place among such icons.

"It's flattering, and slightly embarrassing," he said after a recent workout.

"Really, I'm not deserving and I think this is something generated over the course of a career. At this point, let's look at a 10- to 15-year time frame. It's certainly nice to be compared with the greats of all time, but I have not earned anything to this point."

With two full years and part of a third on his major league résumé, Braun brings a .308 career average into the 2010 season. His 103 home runs in his first three seasons rank sixth-highest in the history of the game and just behind Albert Pujols (114), Ralph Kiner (114), Eddie Mathews (112), DiMaggio (107), and Mark Teixeira (107).

What could make Braun potentially more dangerous is Prince Fielder, the Brewers' first baseman.

With Braun's 32 home runs, 114 RBIs and .320 batting average a year ago, Fielder added 46 homers, a league-leading 141 RBIs and a .299 batting average. That gave the Brewers perhaps the best 1-2 offensive production in the game. Clearly, the presence of Braun hitting third and Fielder fourth remains an important consequence.

"We motivate each other, and I think he's motivated and influenced me more than I have him," Braun said.

"What's important here is that teams have to think beyond using just one closer. He hits left, I hit right and that causes problems. We showed we both can do some damage and teams have to worry about facing two high-production guys instead of just one."

For now, Braun is part of an offense that clearly carries the Brewers.

With a team batting average of .263, and the No. 3 totals in the National League in home runs and RBIs a year ago, the offense appears as lethal as ever. Braun and Fielder are complemented by Casey McGehee (16 HRs, 66 RBIs) and right fielder Corey Hart (.260, 12 HRs, 48 RBIs). Add the speed of Carlos Gomez, the new everyday center fielder, the potential of shortstop of Alcides Escobar and the leadoff capability from Rickie Weeks, and that could add up to more runs.

Augmenting physical talents, Braun has emerged as a leader in the clubhouse, and he prides himself on a high level of preparation. Braun also recognizes these are the formative years of his career, and points to this factor as a springboard for potentially greater success.

"I'm still young and learning all the time," he said. "I think players get better with more experience, learning the game and acquiring a better understanding of each one's potential. My goal is to steadily improve, and be in a position to better help my team."

If numbers remains a principal barometer to success, Braun has already made an impression.

"Ryan brings a good work ethic and confidence level," Hart said. "He believes he's one of the best in the game, and so, far, he has the production to prove it."

Given the high-octane Brewers offense, a possible improved pitching staff, more team speed and potentially better defense, all of this is secondary to the ultimate destination.

"The goal is play meaningful games in September and October," Braun said. "All we can ask is to put ourselves in a position to compete when it really counts."



(madison.com)