Their are many things that signify baseball season is near. On of those in Milwaukee is “Brewers on Deck” which was held Sunday at the Delta centers. Thousands of fans had an opportunity to meet with players, get pictures and obtain autographs in preparation for the 2013 season.
Slugger Ryan Braun was one of the numerous players and front office staff on hand for the festivities. Braun is coming off a career best 41-homers in 2012 which helped him to a 2nd place finish in the National League MVP balloting. There are very few, if any, weaknesses in Braun’s game but he is hoping to improve:
AUDIO: Ryan Braun on what he’s looking to improve on (:18)
The biggest question for 2013 for the Brewers remains the pitching staff. Milwaukee will go into the year with Yovani Gallardo as the hold over from last year’s beginning of the season starting five. General Manager Doug Melvin announced late last week that Marco Estrada would be the #2 starter. Estrada spent most of last season in the rotation. Chris Narveson was the #5 starter for Milwaukee entering 2012. In 2013, he will have to earn a spot in the rotation coming off a rotator cuff injury. After that, its up to the young arms of Michael Fiers, Willy Peralta, Tyler Thornburg, Mark Rogers and others to fill the rotation. Braun is confident in what the team can do in 2013:
AUDIO: Ryan Braun on the Brewers chances this year (:19)
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report February 11th in Maryvale. Milwaukee opens the 2013 campaign at home April 1st with the Colorado Rockies.