When Ryan Braun Speaks, The Brewers Listen

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Ryan Braun relishes being a superstar for a Major League Baseball team. He wants the bat in his hands during a pressure situation, and he is willing to except any blame for the shot to capture all the glory.

Braun has turned into a leader not only on the field but off it as well. After a series with the Boston Red Sox last May, Braun said the Brewers' effort wasn't good enough. The Brewers promptly went on a six-week tear with the best record in the league that ultimately led to the Brewers acquiring CC Sabathia.

After the Brewers loss to the Cubs on Sunday, Braun again opened his mouth and his words were directed toward general manager Doug Melvin.

Braun said he would like to see Melvin make a trade for a pitcher to help bolster the current rotation. Braun said the following after the game:

"I wish I got to make decisions like that," Braun said after the game. "I wish I was in those conversations. I know he's trying to make our ball club better. I know he recognizes the importance of making a move and making it soon."

"At the same time, I think everybody has recognized there are a lot of teams still in the race. There are not too many teams willing to give guys up and if they are, the asking price is pretty high."

"That being said, it would be nice to make a move and it would be nice to do something to help us for the time being. The sooner we do it, the better."

Braun has never been at a loss for words and he certainly didn't hold back today.

While fans will get excited to hear a player asking management for help, Braun needs to understand that there is only so much Melvin can do.

If anyone, Braun included, thinks another Sabathia is coming to Milwaukee, then they are in for a rude awakening.

The Sabathia trade was a once-in-a-lifetime deal for everyone involved. It was the perfect storm that came together to allow the Brewers to do what they did last year.

The Brewers aren't in a position with prospects, like they were last year, to part with in order to acquire a big-name starter.

Jake Peavy, the pitcher many Brewers' fans long for, is injured and could be lost for the remainder of the season.

Cliff Lee may not even be available for a trade if the Indians decide to build for 2010.

Erik Bedard is likely to be the biggest name available, but much like former Brewer Ben Sheets, he is an injury waiting to happen.

Jarrod Washburn and Doug Davis are two names that have surfaced recently as possible alternatives. Both would be welcome additions and come at a much cheaper price than any of the previous names mentioned.

Braun and Brewers' fans should rest easy that Melvin will make a move. Both he and owner Mark Attanasio are willing to do what it takes to make the Brewers a perennial contender.

To expect another blockbuster though is unreasonable. The Brewers will acquire a middle of the rotation pitcher that should fit well with the eventual returns of Dave Bush and Manny Parra.

It will then be up to Braun and the rest of the Brewers' offense to hold up their end of the deal and carry an average pitching staff to the playoffs.

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