Braun commits to World Baseball Classic

National League MVP Award runner-up Ryan Braun has committed to play for the U.S. squad in the World Baseball Classic, the Brewers outfielder told a radio audience on Monday.

Braun, who batted .381 in six games during the 2009 WBC, told Milwaukee’s 1250-AM WSSP that he’d already begun preparations for this year’s event. He will not have to travel far from the Brewers’ Spring Training base at Maryvale Baseball Park; Team USA will begin training in Phoenix on March 4 and then participate in first-round play at Arizona’s Chase Field from March 7-10.

“I’m feeling great,” Braun said. “I actually started my baseball activities a little bit earlier than I usually do because I’m going to play in the World Baseball Classic this year. So I have to get myself prepared a little sooner, a little quicker than I usually do.”

Braun will be in Milwaukee on Jan. 27 for the team’s annual “On Deck” event, a fanfest that features autograph and photo opportunities, interactive games, memorabilia sales and public forums. For more information, visit Brewers.com/OnDeck.

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