On Braun... In Rome...

Braun
Okay, thoughts on MLB's announcement that Ryan Braun is suspended for the remainder of 2013.  I gave him the benefit of the doubt in the last few days of 2011.  If I had a vote, it would have been for Matt Kemp of the Dodgers.  Now with today's announcement, I can understand the anger from Dodger fans and the disappointment that Kemp likely feels.  Kemp in my mind is the 2011 NL MVP even if MLB (who really doesn't have a dog in the fight) and the Baseball Writers Association of America (which does) keeps the status quo.  It's a shame if that doesn't happen, then again, it's also a shame about what happened to Hank Aaron's record as well.  I view MLB as complicit in that tragedy, even though they are not in terms of the Braun fiasco.

Braun owes quite a few people apologies.  In LA...  In Phoenix (remember that the original issue was samples tested during the 2011 NLDS which Milwaukee won 3 games to 2)...  To his teammates...  The Brewers fan base will probably return if he comes out of spring training in 2014 and puts up the numbers they're accustomed to seeing.  Braun's comments in spring training in 2012 are getting a lot of play now on ESPN and the MLB Network and each one of those words ring hollow now.  Maybe this is the tipping point, where the silent majority of players in the ranks of the MLBPA begin to be heard.  Maybe...  One can hope.

Lakewood Blue Claws vs Rome Braves
Great night in Rome tonight at State Mutual Stadium as the Braves' South Atlantic League affiliate (high A) hosted the Lakewood (Philadelphia Phillies affiliate).  The Braves 2013 first round pick Jason Hursh started and went 3 IP hitless with 1 walk and 1 K.  Really impressive fastball which tailed toward the RH batter.  I had him at 32 pitches 19 strikes.  Patrick Scoggin came in during the 4th and also pitched 3 innings with 3 Ks and no walks.

Very impressive night from Kyle Wren who went 3-5 with a triple, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored.  The triple was a gapper to RC, however Wren also showed a nice opposite field touch with two singles to left in the 5th and 6th innings.  Rome got a homer from catcher Chase Anselment and hammered the Blue Claws 10-2.

This was my second trip to Rome.  Very nice ballpark.  I like the restaurant behind home plate (club seat tickets and season tickets are required), we sat in the front row behind the plate.  Great time at Rome.

Tomorrow, heading to Gwinnett to see the AAA International League Braves play Durham.