The Milwaukee Brewers have gone one step further to ensure they will be competitive for years to come by agreeing to a five-year contract extension with All-Star outfielder Ryan Braun.
It was first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Thursday afternoon.
Braun released the following statement:
"I want to thank the entire Milwaukee Brewers organization, specifically Mark Attanasio and his entire ownership group, Doug Melvin and Gordon Ash for making this possible. I have truly enjoyed the time I have spent in Milwaukee and look forward to spending the next 10 years here.
"I believe in the direction of this organization and its commitment to winning moving forward. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be a part of this organization for the next 10 years. Thank you to the Milwaukee Brewers for believing in me and making this happen."
This is great news for Brewers fans, as Braun becomes the fourth "original" Brewer to agree to a contract extension over the last two seasons, joining a group that includes Yovani Gallardo, Corey Hart and, most recently, Rickie Weeks.
Braun's new contract is the longest and presumably the most lucrative in the history of the Milwaukee Brewers franchise.
Braun had already signed a contract after his rookie season that would have kept him in Milwaukee through 2015. The 2007 NL Rookie of the Year and three-time NL All-Star will be the cornerstone of the franchise with Prince Fielder expected to leave via free agency following the 2011 season.
It is a great move by the small-market Brewers, who now put themselves in the position to be competitive year in and year out for the next 10 years. Next up: agreeing to contract extensions with Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, or preferably both.
It seems like a great move, and we can now look forward to Brauny leading the way in Brew Town for the next decade.
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