Brewers Hope No News is Good News Regarding Braun’s Suspension

By Brewers Buddy Jackson | Posted Wednesday, February 15

Brewers fans await the news about the possible Ryan Braun suspension. The “deadline” is soft, but major league baseball tries its best to get their panels to reveal verdicts within 25 days of any hearing. In fact, that deadline is more often pursued during the active baseball season. There is less of an immediate need for an answer, as there are no current games hanging in the balance. The Brewers have already shored up the open spot in left field, should the suspension go into effect.

The news of Braun's failed urine test (which revealed extremely high levels of testosterone,) initially broke in early January. Braun’s appeal hearing took place on the nineteenth of that month. Some take it as a good sign that the panel has not yet made an announcement. According to MLB rules, should a player win his appeal, that announcement will not be made by the panel. The player has sole discretion as to their desire to make any findings public. Considering the negative publicity already in the public sphere, it would be a wonder that Braun or Nez Balelo wouldn't announce positive news as quickly as possible.

The only thing that seems certain as of now is that the outfielder will participate in spring training and all exhibition games up until opening day. As far as the verdict goes, we might just have to wait until the Cardinals make their way to Miller Park on April sixth to find out. Aoki will also be at spring training, working on his form. With the loss of Fielder to the Tigers, Milwaukee needs a hot bat in the lineup.