Brewers' Braun enjoying a much more quiet winter than last year

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MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Brewers’ slugger Ryan Braun is having a somewhat normal winter for a change.

A year ago, the 2011 National League MVP was embroiled in his appeal of a 50-game suspension for synthetic testosterone. And after winning the appeal and citing faults in the drug sampling process, Braun essentially gave Major League Baseball a guidebook for the changes they eventually made. This year, Braun is a lot more relaxed. And he’s back on a somewhat normal training schedule, although he moved up his winter preparation schedule to get ready for the World Baseball Classic in March.

Braun and Brewers’ catcher Jonathan Lucroy are representing Team USA, and a dozen other members of the Milwaukee organization are playing for their native foreign teams. Some players said no to the World tournament, but Braun says he loves having the opportunity to represent his country. Braun calls it a tremendous honor. And because the tournament only comes once every four years, he says nobody is guaranteed an opportunity to do the next one – for health reasons or otherwise. Braun called it a “no-brainer” to accept his invitation to Team USA and quote, “As long as I was healthy, it was something I was definitely going to do.” Braun says the Brewers’ chances in 2013 will depend on how its young pitching staff matures. But Braun said quote, “The talent is there – it’s about going out there are doing it over the course of a season.”

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The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly looking to bring back Lyle Overbay. At yesterday’s “Brewers on Deck” fan festival, general manager Doug Melvin said he was talking with an infielder whom he did not name. And manager Ron Roenicke indicated that the Brewers were looking for a backup at first base, in case Mat Gamel gets hurt before Corey Hart returns in May from knee surgery. Fox Sports.com says the Brewers are talking with the 36-year-old Overbay about signing a minor league deal with a chance to make the team. Overbay played first base right before Prince Fielder did. He was a fan favorite in Milwaukee about a decade ago. And he set a Brewers’ record in 2004 for doubles in a season with 53. Overbay split time with Arizona and Atlanta a year ago, batting .259 in 131 at-bats with two homers and 10 RBI’s.

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