Braun's agent visits Brewers

Apr/08/08 11:58 PM Filed in: Ryan Braun
RyanBraun
Nez Balelo, the agent for left fielder Ryan Braun, was in town to check in with clients Braun and reliever David Riske, and for a face-to-face meeting with general manager Doug Melvin. The Brewers have already submitted at least one long-term contract proposal to Braun, first baseman Prince Fielder and at least one other player, according to principal owner Mark Attanasio.

Neither Balelo nor Melvin would divulge any details Tuesday, which was not surprising. Balelo's policy is to not comment on ongoing discussions, and Melvin has said in recent weeks that he does not want to give public play-by-play of negotiations.

Attanasio last week confirmed the team's interest in locking down some of its young stars with long-term deals, preferably "buying out" at least one year of free agency. In Braun's case, that likely would require a contract through 2014.

"There's nothing really to talk about," Melvin said.

Another benchmark was set in place Tuesday, when the Arizona Diamondbacks finalized a five-year extension with outfielder Chris Young that buys out his first year of free agency and includes a club option that would cover his second year. Young, who has already signed for $400,000 this season, got a $1 million signing bonus and is guaranteed $1.75 million in 2009, $3.25 million in 2010, $5 million in 2011, $7 million in 2012 and $8.5 million in 2013. The club option calls for an $11 million salary or a $1.5 million buyout.

Young is represented by agent Jeff Berry, who also represents Brewers outfielder Corey Hart and is affiliated with Los Angeles-based CAA Sports. Balelo is affiliated with the same firm.

(mlb.com)