Everyone and their mother expects Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun to be traded from the team. He acted like it around the end of the season, and fans gave him a standing ovation in the final game just in case it was his last at Miller Park. But then on Wednesday, Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell met with the media on Wednesday and talked about a wide-range of things including the future of Braun with this team. Now, there is a great deal of coach speak here, but it appears Braun might be on the roster when Spring Training starts in March.

Braun hasn’t been mentioned in trade talks yet this winter. Brewers keep things tight to the vest, but you would think his name would at least come up in conversation this week. That never happened. We’ll see if something comes through next week or the week after as Stearns might have had initial talks with teams about Braun, yet nothing ever developed into a deal. Or maybe, all of us were wrong and there isn’t a plan to trade Braun this offseason, who really knows with this Brewers team.

Milwaukee’s front office is a bit unpredictable, and that’s a good thing. Doug Melvin and boys, you know what you were getting most of the time. Stearns is a wild card in the best way possible. We have a long way to go before we know for sure that number eight is playing out in left field for another season.

I know trading Braun is the right thing to do for this team. I’ve made peace with him leaving, but a part of me would love if he’s a Brewer for life.

Charlie.