Milwaukee Brewers Wiretap

Braun's Overturned Suspension May Never Be Explained

There is a good chance that there will never be a written decision explaining why Ryan Braun's drug suspension was overturned.

The arbitrator who threw out the 50-game suspension of the 2011 National League MVP has been asked by the MLBPA to hold off providing his reasoning while they negotiate changes to their rules for collecting specimens, according to people familiar with the process.

If players and owners reach agreement on the changes, the February decision by arbitrator Shyam Das to overturn the penalty for the Milwaukee outfielder could be allowed to stand without any written explanation.

Via ESPN.com

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Braun Receives MVP Hardware Before Finale

The Brewers hosted a Sunday ceremony to honor Ryan Braun, giving fans a chance to celebrate their role in his 2011 NL MVP season.

Milwaukee pushed the first pitch back 15 minutes so the stadium would be full for the event.

"No, honestly," Braun said when asked if he was looking forward to the attention.

"I'm looking forward to the game. I don't know. It's something that's kind of in the past, honestly something I'm really proud of. It's exciting to have an opportunity, I guess, to share that opportunity with the fans a little bit. But other than that, it's definitely more important to come out and try to win the series as a team."

Braun was already acquainted with his MVP Award, which was presented at a Baseball Writers Association of America banquet in New York in January.

Via MLB.com

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Marcum, Brewers Haven't Discussed Deal

Shaun Marcum can hit the free agent market after the season and the right-hander has not discussed a new deal with the Brewers.

Extension talks have been dominated by fellow starter Zack Greinke, but Milwaukee recently paused talks with the former Kansas City pitcher.

The Brewers gave up top third base prospect Brett Lawrie to get Marcum from Toronto, so there's extra incentive to keep him after such an outlay of talent.

Via Nick Cafardo/Boston Globe

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Brewers, Greinke Letting Contract Talks 'Rest'

The Brewers and right-hander Zack Greinke have decided to table discussions regarding a contract extension.

"I talked with Casey Close (Greinke's agent) and we decided to let it rest for now," general manager Doug Melvin said.

"That doesn't mean we won't talk again at some point but we're going to let it rest right now."

Greinke hired Close just before the start of the season, which some took as a sign that talks would continue.

However, the bar was raised when San Francisco's Matt Cain signed a five-year, $112.5 million extension, raising his total pay over six years to $127.5 million.

Via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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Greinke Needs To Alter Clubhouse Perception

If Zack Greinke wants to increase his market value as he seeks a lucrative contract extension, he will have to do more than just pitch well.

"He's got to alter the perception that he can be a troublesome clubhouse presence, a reputation he earned in his years with the Royals," writes Buster Olney.

"A lot of teammates there thought he was not invested in the rest of them. There are already some teams who won't consider Greinke because of the uneven nature of his exit from Kansas City."

Via Buster Olney/ESPN.com

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