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Braun Scratched From On Deck On Sunday The Brewers have scratched Ryan Braun from this Sunday's On Deck event, sparking speculation that a decision could be coming on his suspension for failing the MLB drug test. Principal owner Mark Attanasion issued the following statement: “In working through the logistics of this weekend’s Brewers On Deck event in Milwaukee with Ryan Braun —and knowing how much he enjoys interacting candidly with Brewers fans —we came to the conclusion that this is too sensitive of a time in the confidential process for him to attend this year. I speak for everyone at the Brewers, including Ryan, in thanking our fans for their understanding and patience." Braun did not issue a statement. He appeared before an appeal panel last week while in New York to pick up his NL MVP Award. Braun spoke at the MVP event, and mentioned "challenges" and "adversity," but did not directly address the appeal. The panel has 25 days to issue its ruling, but many have speculated it could come this week or next. If a suspension was upheld, Braun could face embarrassing questions from media and fans at the Sunday event. To keep up on the Braun story, go to the Brewers site via MDR links. Midweek Feature Prince Headed To Tigers Multiple media sources are reporting that Brewers' free agent 1B Prince Fielder is signing with the Tigers for nine years at $214 million. The Tigers reportedly are looking for another bat after DH Victor Martinez suffered an injury that will keep him out for the entire 2012 season. The Tigers are not likely to confirm any signing until Fielder passes a physical. But, some factors cast doubt on the move. First, Miguel Cabrera already is a star at 1B for Detroit, and Fielder has repeatedly said he would prefer to not just DH. Second, Prince's father, Cecil, was a star for the Tigers, which means local media would undoubtedly ask endless questions about the relationship. Prince has not gotten along well with his father for years and especially does not like comparisons with his dad. Of course, $214 million apparently overcame those factors. Detroit only recently entered the rumor mill that has been grinding for weeks about Fielder, with the Nationals, Rangers and Orioles the most recent teams mentioned most often. To keep up on the story, check out MLB.com periodically. Elsewhere In Baseball Gardenhire To Coach Stout Baseball Team Toby Gardenhire, the son of Twins' manager Ron Gardenhire, will coach the UW-Stout baseball team this spring. Gardenhire replaces Seth Maier, who left the position to pursue private sector opportunities. Gardenhire has been around baseball dugouts and locker rooms his entire life. “It’s not so much the talent level I was around,” Gardenhire said. “But what I saw was the work ethic from a lot of the players. My dad’s locker was next to Kirby Puckett. I got to see a great player, a great teammate, what a great worker and what a great person he was. The same was true with Jim Thome. Here is a Hall of Fame player who is a genuine person. I can take a lot out of that.” He has been a hitting and fielding instructor with the Twins Training Academy in Blaine, Minn., as a hitting and fielding instructor from 2009-11, and was a defensive fielding instructor with LPA Baseball in Roseville, Minn., from 2005-09. Gardenhire, an infielder, played his college ball at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Junior College, at Southwest Missouri State and then finished at the University of Illinois when the Illini won the 2005 Big Ten championship. While in college, Gardenhire played summer ball for the Rochester, Minn., Honkers in the Northwoods League, earning the most inspirational player award in 2005.Gardenhire was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2002 and again in 2005. He played with the organization's minor league teams from 2005-11. In addition to getting the Stout job, Gardenhire was married last Saturday. For more, click here. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Welcome to Midwest Diamond Report I'm Gregg Hoffmann, publisher of this site. MDR is a web version of a print publication put out by the late sports artist and journalist Al Rainovic. MDR is devoted to covering Midwest baseball and its history. You won’t find game stories in MDR. For those, we have provided links directly to team and league web pages. What you will find are periodic features and columns by professional writers, baseball researchers and fans. Also, check out MDR Friends updates, and other information from Gregg Hoffmann, on Facebook by clicking here. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo MDR Archives and Blogs Special Feature Package Archives *2011 Spring Training* *video #2* *2011 Spring Training video #1* *Target Field video and photo gallery* *Celebration of Baseball photo gallery* *In Their Own Words: Bud Selig video* *Field of Dreams photo gallery* *Selig Statue Unveiling photo gallery , video1, video 2* ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Featured Advertiser ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo