Braun's track record and athletic body give him a chance to be drafted in the first 10 selections. If he's drafted that high, it will be because a team believes in his bat. He has hit ever since he joined Miami's lineup as a freshman in 2003, when he broke Pat Burrell's record for RBIs by a Hurricanes frosh. Braun struggled with a rib-cage strain in 2004, missing 18 games in the spring and not playing up to expectations in the Cape Cod League. He has powered Miami to another top 10 ranking in 2005, however, leading the team in home runs, stolen bases and RBIs, and he ranked among the top 10 in the country in on-base plus slugging percentage and RBIs. Braun has a hitch in his swing and a high, unconventional finish, but his hands are quick enough to make it work, and he's athletic enough to repeat his stroke and drive pitches to all parts of the field. His future position will be the main source of concern for pro teams. He came to college as a shortstop and now plays third, but he has struggled with errors at both spots. Some scouts doubt his infield actions and footwork and say he'll have to move to an outfield corner, where his plus arm and speed could allow him to be an above-average defender in time.
Ryan Braun Stats & Scouting Report — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects
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