To say the least, 2013 has been a forgettable year for Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun.
It all began prior to the start of the season, with rumors swirling about a possible connection between Braun and Anthony Bosch, former head of the now defunct Biogenesis anti-aging clinic. The rumors began after a
Yahoo! Sports report surfaced, indicating that Braun's name had appeared in personal documents belonging to Bosch.
Braun maintained his innocence, claiming that Bosch had been used as a consultant by Braun's legal team during the slugger's successful appeal of suspension from 2012. Regardless, the
Yahoo! Sports report prompted Major League Baseball to begin an open investigation into Biogenesis, seeking the names of specific players involved.
Regardless of the swirling rumors and speculation, Braun tried to put it all behind him and focus on baseball. However, he never looked overly comfortable at the plate in 2013, battling a sore thumb that eventually landed him on the disabled list for the first time in his career.
Following his return from the disabled list on July 10, Braun missed several more games due to a personal issue. He took family bereavement leave, a situation that Braun understandably did not speak openly about.
Just before the All-Star break, sources close to the ongoing Biogenesis investigation said that Braun was uncooperative when questioned by Major League Baseball. There was speculation that his lack of cooperation was grounds for a suspension.
On July 22, it was announced that Ryan Braun would be suspended for the final 65 games of the 2013 season. It was essentially a delayed punishment for Braun's positive test in October 2011, followed by lies and obstruction during Major League Baseball's investigation into Biogenesis.
Needless to say, Ryan Braun will be more than willing to put 2013 behind him and ring in the new year, desperately seeking a fresh start in 2014.
However, Braun's problems won't simply go away once the calendar year has changed. He was once considered a charming, likable, marketable ambassador of our national pastime. Though Braun will likely never be able to truly reclaim his status as a face of the game, he can take action to show his contrition to the world of baseball. That being said, Braun has a lot of work to do in hopes of repairing diminished character and a damaged reputation.
2014 is going to be a trying season for Braun, especially early on. Starting in Spring Training, he may feel like a stranger in his own clubhouse at Maryvale. Though plenty of his teammates will be happy to see him, others may not be sure what exactly to say to him. The clubhouse at Miller Park might not be much better. It's an awkward situation that will slowly improve with time.
Though Braun has always been booed on the road, the boos will be now be more aggressive than ever before. He will likely receive a mixture of boos and cheers from the hometown fans. The boos will not be limited to his plate appearances. Regardless of which corner outfield spot Braun secures in 2014, he should expect consistent heckling. The occasional $8 cup of beer may even sail towards him.
Opposing players won't have much to say to Braun in 2014. He won't be making much small talk with opposing infielders while on the bases. Braun has lost many friends in the game.
The Brewers head to Arizona for a two-game set against the Diamondbacks in the middle of June. At that point, Kirk Gibson may take a few more verbal shots at Braun. Diamondbacks players might join in on the fun.
Braun should expect to get hit with a lot of pitches over the course of 2014. Gibson will likely order Braun to be hit at least once. Former teammate Zack Greinke, now with the Dodgers, will likely send Braun a message. Ryan is sure to get hit by pitchers he's never even heard of. The bottom line is, people across the game feel cheated, lied to, and taken advantage of. For the foreseeable future, Braun's counterparts are going to make life very difficult for Ryan Braun.
Expect a humbled Hebrew Hammer in 2014. He likely won't admire too many of his own home runs, nor is he likely to "low five" his base coaches after such long balls. Braun should carry himself as though he's been there before, even if not since July.
Despite everything standing in his way, Braun has not forgotten how to play the game of baseball. He has not forgotten how to swing a bat. He has not forgotten how to track down a fly ball. Though it has been a while since he's stepped onto a Major League field, Braun has not forgotten his way around one.
Regardless of his recent mistakes, Ryan is still one of the most talented baseball players of his era. He is a natural athlete who loves to play the game. Though he might scuffle out of the gates in 2014, Braun will eventually get his legs back under him and find his rhythm.
Regardless of what types of numbers Braun puts up, it may be a few years before he earns another All-Star nod. Though performance and statistics should speak for themselves, All-Stars are chosen by the fans, players, and coaches. That being said, all of the above are human, thus subjective.
Braun has not yet done nearly enough to earn back the respect and trust of the fans. However, he should be given the benefit of the doubt that his 2011 positive test was an isolated incident. After all, during its open investigation into Biogenesis, Major League Baseball found no evidence that would indicate a relationship between Bosch and Braun prior to 2011.
I think the timing of Braun's 65-game suspension somewhat works in his favor. Smoke will continue to settle this offseason following the suspension. Had Braun served his 50-game suspension to begin the 2012 season, he would have stepped right back onto the diamond and into the fire following the ban.
Braun has made mistakes, for which he is ashamed and embarrassed. It's likely the reason he has yet to stand in front of a microphone and publicly apologize. He's not ready to show his face quite yet.
Mark Attanasio has stated that he expects Braun to attend the Brewers On-Deck team event on January 26 in Milwaukee. Should Braun attend, it might be wise for him to finally get in front of that microphone and address those in attendance. Yes, people will eventually forgive and move on. However, for the foreseeable future, Ryan Braun has a lot of work to do.
"I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions."
-Ryan Braun
Thank you for reading.
-Barrel Man
