More about the first round pick

The University of Miami's Braun worked through the transition from shortstop to third base with A-Rod, the Miami resident and the New York Yankee who made the same move prior to the 2003 season. The tutorial paid off on Tuesday, when the Brewers selected Braun with the fifth overall pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.

The Brewers believe they grabbed the most talented player available and simultaneously filled an organizational need by adding a top-notch third baseman.

"I'm thrilled," Braun said after practicing with his Miami Hurricanes teammates, who are preparing for this weekend's NCAA Super Regionals. "I obviously understand that there is a chance for me to advance through the system pretty quickly as a third baseman. I am just excited about the opportunity to work hard."

The 21-year-old can hit, he can run and he can play a number of different positions. He was at Miami on a partial academic scholarship, so he can think as well. And he is closer to the Majors than any high-ceiling high schooler the Brewers may have coveted.

"We feel we got a very good athlete, a very good player," Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik (zur-EN-sik) said minutes after the first round. "And he also plays a position that is a difficult position to fill at any level. If you look at our Minor League system, he fits in nicely, again, as a need, but he was selected for his ability more than anything else."