A few weeks ago, Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun was honored as the rookie of the year in the National League.

Now, the man who drafted him is being honored as well.

Jack Zduriencik, the Brewers special assistant to the general manager and director of amateur scouting, was named Major League Executive of the year by Baseball America magazine. He will be honored this afternoon at the Winter Meetings in Nashville.

"I was honored and flattered when Baseball America informed me of the award," Zduriencik said in a press release announcing the honor. "As appreciative as I am, this is a reflection of those that I work with and the hard efforts that they have put into their jobs. I consider this award a representation of the entire organization and from the bottom of my heart I would like to thank Baseball America for this award."

Zduriencik is the first non-general manager to receive this award, which was first presented in 1998 to current Brewers executive vice president and general manager Doug Melvin (then with Texas). Zduriencik has spent the last eight seasons in the Brewers organization after joining the club on Oct. 25, 1999. In his role, he directs all amateur scouting efforts for the Brewers, both domestic and international.

"When I was appointed general manager in 2003, I had to make many decisions," Melvin said. "The one I am most grateful for is retaining Jack Zduriencik as the individual responsible for the drafting and signing of amateur talent. Jack helps our organization in many other ways but has made his mark and finally is getting recognized for his hard work and ability to identify baseball talent. The Milwaukee Brewers organization recognizes Jack's skills and we thank Baseball America for honoring him with this well-deserved award."

In 2007, the Brewers' starting infield of first baseman Prince Fielder (2002 draft), second baseman Rickie Weeks (2003 draft), third baseman Ryan Braun (2005 draft) and shortstop J.J. Hardy (2001 draft) was the youngest in the Major Leagues, a credit to recent draft selections made by Zduriencik.

A veteran of 24 years in professional baseball, Zduriencik, 56, has worked with four Major League organizations. Prior to joining the Brewers, he was director of international scouting and special assistant to the general manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999. He began his career with the Mets and also worked as director of scouting for the Pirates from 1991-'93. Zduriencik and his wife, Debbie, live in Mequon.