Brewer Daily News for August 8th: Braun quiet, Francisco’s future

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Thursday edition of Brewer Daily News. Two weeks after his suspension for the rest of the season, Milwaukee Brewers’ left fielder Ryan Braun has remained quiet on the situation at hand. In the second bit of news, one has to wonder where Juan Francisco‘s future with the club will go.

The reactions of Ryan Braun’s situation have many fans divided on their opinons. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Braun, 29, was suspended on July 22, without pay, for the rest of the 2013 season for admitting his usage of PEDs in connections with the Biogenesis Clinic in Miami, Florida. Braun’s teammate, reliever John Axford, talked about the situation and what the suspension means.

"“It’s obviously a good step to clean up this game,” said Axford. “That’s something every player wants, they want a clean sport. As far as that goes, I think that’s definitely a positive.” – via Brewers.com"

This suspension comes two years after Braun won the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award. Since the suspension, Braun has lost multiple sponsors and will not be eligible for the postseason, should the team make a run, but he will be back for the 2014 season.

When the Brewers traded for first baseman Juan Francisco, they did so knowing they would need an option at the base with Corey Hart and Mat Gamel out for the season. The Brewers realized Francisco’s bat was more valuable than his inexperience at the position, but they are willing to work with him further.

"“[Francisco] has got some work to do, there’s no question,” manager Ron Roenicke said. “He has to be more consistent at the plate.” – via Brewers.com"

With the Brew Crew this season, Francisco is hitting .240/.320/.481 with 10 home runs, 24 RBIs and has scored 20 runs. If the Brewers don’t re-sign Hart after the season ends, Francisco may be competing for the first base job with Gamel and Hunter Morris.

Later today, the Brewers and San Francisco Giants will play in the final game of this four game series at 3:45 p.m. ET / 2:45 p.m. CT. The projected starters are Donovan Hand (0-3, 3.60 ERA) for Milwaukee and Tim Lincecum (5-11, 4.43 ERA) for San Francisco.