PHOENIX -- Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun reported to the team's Maryvale spring training complex Wednesday afternoon with a healthy right thumb and his focus clearly on the 2015 season.
"If anybody here is happy with the way that the season finished up last year, they aren't in the right profession or business," Braun said. "We had a great first five months of the year and then we didn't finish well. So we were all disappointed. But, we can't do anything to go back and change what already occurred. The focus is on this year and preparing and doing everything we can do get off to a great start in April."
Braun, the 2011 National League MVP, battled through a lingering nerve injury in his right thumb last season. The injury, which actually dates to a May 2013 game against the Cardinals, robbed him of much of his power and grew worse the more he played. Braun enters camp this season healthy, but aware of the potential to reinjure the thumb.
"So far it (the thumb) feels great. Everything so far has gone as well as I possibly could've hoped. I don't think I'll be limited or anything," said the five-time All Star. "I'll have to be conscious about how many extra swings I take. But aside from that, I'm able to do everything."
As for limiting his swings, Braun is prepared to deal with how that might impact his preparation this spring and throughout the season.
"This game is always about making adjustments," Braun said. "We constantly have to make adjustments as hitters, to the opposition, to pitchers, to our routine. It's kind of easy with this knowing that it is in my best interest. And I've dealt with this long enough to know that if I do too much, I increase the likelihood that I'll hurt it again."
Braun later added: "I've never needed too many at-bats to feel like I'm comfortable and ready for the season. I think I've always gotten off to pretty good starts in April. So I'm not going to change too much from what I've done before."
With a healthy thumb and the promise of a new season ahead, Braun is optimistic he can again be a significant contributor to the Brewers.
"This is always a fun time of the year. It's good to be back and be amongst all the guys again," he said. "It's always a time of the year where there's a lot of optimism. I feel good. I've always felt like as long as I'm healthy, success is inevitable. The better I play the more I am going to help the team. I expect to go out there and be one of the best players in the league."
