Ryan Braun signs with Brewers through 2020

[DantesForum]

I know in about 49 other states this is no big whoop, but being from Wisconsin for me it is major news.

This guy is really a class act, so glad he will be a Brewer for a long time.

[CastlevaniaNut18]

He's a good played and a class act like you said. Good to see the Brewers find a solid face for their franchise.

[potterscrow]

Didn't he just sign an extension in the last few years? When was he even scheduled to become a free agent? I mean 2020!! That seems crazy.

[DantesForum]

I believe he already had a 6 year deal that went to 2015, today he signed a 5 year extension to that deal taking him to 2020. There is also an option for an additional year as well.

We were at Spring training in AZ this year and we actually ran into Braun in the parking lot. He is my 4 year old nephew's favorite Brewer and Braun was trying to shake his hand. My nephew was being shy like kids tend to do and Brauny totally talked him into the hand shake and some pictures. Really a approachable great guy. Plus he can hit!!

[potterscrow]

So he wasn't a free agent until 2015? I know he is a very good player and still can improve but I scratch my head at deals like this. I mean it is 2011! You have him locked up until 2015! Why? Maybe you think he deserves more money so give him more but to go until 2020! Holy Cow!!

[doa345]

Because they want to lock him up for his career. that's why.

[potterscrow]

Apr 23, 2011 17:04:41 GMT -5 doa345 said:

Because they want to lock him up for his career. that's why.

I realize they want him to be a career player but seriously 2020! Just seems a little crazy. So much can happen in 9 years!

[CreepinDeth]

Apr 23, 2011 23:48:41 GMT -5 potterscrow said:

Apr 23, 2011 17:04:41 GMT -5 doa345 said:

Because they want to lock him up for his career. that's why.

I realize they want him to be a career player but seriously 2020! Just seems a little crazy. So much can happen in 9 years!

That's what I was thinking. Braun is good player and has very good numbers for his short career but not sure about another 10 years. Some of that money could've been spent building a team around him for 5 years methinks. I do hope it works out for Milwaukee, I actually dig them for some reason I can't really explain.

[MichaelVash7886]

You guys are missing the point of the extension. Let's say that they let him play for another 2 years and he continues to play like he has. His price goes even higher. This extension is kind of like the stock market they are buying low in hopes of having that stock really pay off. Given Braun's age and track record (forget how long he's been around, but it's several years I think) it's probably a good move. Granted there are huge risks, but ownership there apparently feels he's worth the risk. I can understand not making the move, but I can see exactly why they did it. Heck if they hadn't 2014 could be kinda like it is with Albert Pujols now, just that the numbers would be a bit lower.

[CreepinDeth]

May 18, 2011 11:36:52 GMT -5 MichaelVash7886 said:

You guys are missing the point of the extension. Let's say that they let him play for another 2 years and he continues to play like he has. His price goes even higher. This extension is kind of like the stock market they are buying low in hopes of having that stock really pay off. Given Braun's age and track record (forget how long he's been around, but it's several years I think) it's probably a good move. Granted there are huge risks, but ownership there apparently feels he's worth the risk. I can understand not making the move, but I can see exactly why they did it. Heck if they hadn't 2014 could be kinda like it is with Albert Pujols now, just that the numbers would be a bit lower.

I get it, always did, still doesn't mean it's a very smart move. Like you said, it's a huge risk. Use some of that money to get some pitching, unless you don't mind having a franchise player asking to be traded because the team isn't doing so hot.

I hope it works out for the Brewers, I dig them, but this move can go either way.

[MichaelVash7886]

They have some pitching. They got Grienke as their ace who just came back. I think they will lose Fielder, I'm wanting to say he's a free agent soon. Overall I don't see how they aren't playing better than they currently are, the central is a random division. Cinci and St. Louis aren't exactly setting the world on fire currently. Currently the sport is being dominated by pitching and I'm not sure that will change in the next 9 years, of course I say that and it could change next week.... Granted they could have waited a year to do this, but who knows what could have changed.

You say this move could go either way, that's true with a lot of moves in baseball. Look at the Johan Santanna. When he was pitching for the Twins he was the best thing ever. His first year with the Mets was good but since this he's gotten a bad injury in 08, 09, and 10. He wont' be back until the All-Star break or so this year.


I definitely see what you are saying and yeah it could be very bad. But I would imagine they have some ideas about how to keep their pitching up. I don't know the team very well so maybe you have a better point than I think. I did randomly see the Sounds (Triple A) play a few weeks ago.

[CreepinDeth]

Yeah they got Grienke...

That's pretty much it. They will probably lose Fielder to the highest bidder and then, that's it. Technically, they can get it done if their farm system is up to snuff, but once they become good players, will they be able to keep them too? Or lose them to the highest bidder as well?

10 years is just too long to tie up a player in this era.