Major League Baseball News

Ryan Howard isn’t the only Ryan trying to cash in on his early MLB success for the first time. With arbitration hearings ruling in favor of Howard for $10 million just this week, the Brewers are aware that California born Ryan Braun could be eligible for the same treatment in 2009.

When asked about a potential long term deal similar to the NL’s Tulowitzki, Braun appeared very interested. “It’s certainly something I am open to, but I honestly haven’t thought about it too much yet,” Braun replied. “I’m definitely not opposed to considering whatever they have to say.”

Tulowitzki and the Colorado Rockies agreed just recently to a 6-year, $31 million deal with a potential $15 million option for the 7th year. Many consider this deal to be a preview of the type of deal Braun and agent Nez Balelo might be able to negotiate with the Brewers. Braun will start in the outfield this year, a move prompted by a series of errors at 3B last year. Braun set an MLB record for rookies with a .634 slugging percentage, while batting .324 with 34 HRs, 97 RBIs and 15 SBs in only 113 games.