BTB Interview: Steven Braun

Recent addition to the Brewers system, Steven Braun recently took some time to answers some questions we had for him. Braun, an undrafted free agent infielder/outfielder out of Maryland is most know for his defense and versatility...and yes, he is the younger brother of Brewer left fielder Ryan Braun. From the sounds of it, he's the exact opposite type of player the Brewers currently have and attract (plays defense, knows how to bunt, hits for average more than power) so here's to him joining the big league club sometime soon.

BTB: How have things been going in Helena so far?
SB: Things are good here in Helena! I’m enjoying being back on the field and competing everyday. Since I signed late as a free agent the first couple of weeks I was getting back in shape and getting adjusted to the schedule and daily routine. I’m feeling good now and working on getting better everyday while trying to help the team out in whatever way possible.

BTB: Any players on the team you knew before you joined the Brew Crew?
SB: I played against David Fonseca in High School in California so it was nice to know someone while joining the team here in Helena.


BTB: You were originally drafted by the A's in 05, but elected not to sign, correct?
SB: Yes, I was drafted by the A’s in the 35th round of the 05 draft but elected to go to the University of Maryland.

BTB: As you mentioned, you eventually wound up at Maryland. Describe your time there, and what it was like going from California all the way out to the other coast.
SB: It was most definitely a climate shock, going from the warm weather to the extremes of the East Coast. It snowed the very first series while at Maryland so that was a drastic shock for me in terms of playing conditions, considering it had only snowed once in my entire life in Southern California. I always want to challenge myself both academically and athletically and I felt like Maryland gave me that opportunity with its excellent academic tradition as well as the athletic competition from the ACC.

BTB: Did any teams other than the Brewers show a strong interest in bringing you in as an undrafted free agent?
SB: Yes I had been talking to several other teams about signing as a free agent but I’m glad to have signed with such a great organization as the Milwaukee Brewers.

BTB: What was it like going from not being drafted, to being signed by the team that your brother plays for?
SB: It was a roller coaster of emotions for me going from not being drafted to signing with the Brewers. I was definitely disappointed at first about not being drafted because I am very confident in my abilities and all I wanted was the opportunity. Having said that I am very grateful and appreciative that the Brewers gave me that opportunity and I am going to give it everything I have day in and day out to continue to improve on a daily basis with my ultimate goal being able to one day play along side my brother. I use the fact that I wasn’t drafted as motivation to work harder everyday and prove people wrong.

BTB: You've played center, third, second and short. What position are you most comfortable at/enjoy the most, and where have the Brewers indicated they'd like you to play?
SB: I am most comfortable at second but I am very versatile and can play any infield and outfield position. I take pride in my ability to be versatile because the more positions I can play the more valuable I am to the team and organization. As of right now I have been playing both short and second.



BTB: What past or present major leaguer do you think your style of play most resembles?
SB: My style of play doesn’t resemble one particular player. I am a very aggressive player on the bases, I always look to make things happen and put pressure on the defense by looking to take the extra base. No matter what, I always play hard because that is the one thing I can always control. I never take any days for granted and my style of play dictates that. I am a gap to gap type hitter who uses the whole field. I am ver y confident in my defensive ability. I try to make adjustments in the field and at the plate from play to play or at bat to at bat.

BTB: Does your brother offer a lot of advice to you about being successful as a pro baseball player while honing your tools in the minors?
SB: Yes I am very fortunate to be able to get advice from my brother on a daily basis. We talk a lot about working hard and trying to get better everyday. He has told me about the season being a grind and staying confident and consistent with what I do because there are obviously going to be ups and downs throughout the season. We talk about only focusing on things we can control, such as mental and physical preparation as well as effort and let the rest take care of itself. We try to focus on staying in the present and focusing on one pitch at a time, one ab at a time, and so on and so forth.

BTB: What's the best aspect of your game? What do you think you need to work on most to make it to the majors?
SB: The best aspect of my game would have to be my work ethic and determination. This has been a life long dream of mine and I am going to do anything and everything I can do to one day make it. I am always looking to improve upon all aspects of my game. I am going to take advantage of having the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable coaches.

BTB: You were known as one of the best bunters at Maryland. What are the keys to laying down a good bunt, and why do you think so many current players struggle at it so much?
SB: I honestly feel like you have to be fully committed to laying down a bunt in order for it to be successful. You have to have the fundamentals down such as where to position yourself in the batters box, bat angle and bat position as well as seeing the ball down before you leave the box.

BTB: Have you spent much time in Milwaukee? What do you like about it?
SB: I have been to Milwaukee on several different occasions and I’ve loved it. It’s a beautiful city with great fans.

Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to answer these questions Steven. Best of luck in Helena and hopefully we'll see you in Milwaukee soon.