Let's reset the payroll picture for the Brewers:

Before the season starts, Brewers owner Mark Attanasio talks long-term contract with both Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder.  Ryan Braun signs an 8-year, $45 million dollar contract.  Meanwhile Fielder expresses displeasure over his contract being renewed at $670,000.

Signing the mega contract, Braun now becomes the face of the franchise.

At Braun's press conference, GM Doug Melvin says all other contract talks have ceased.  And when asked about his situation, Prince seems content to ride it out.  Just click on the video link attached to the story.

Get ready for the Fielder elsewhere speculation to begin, even though it wouldn't happen until 2012.

I was told a long time ago that the Brewers were starting to put more of their "eggs" in the Braun basket, because they felt like he was more signable.  With uberagent Scott Boras at the controls, it seems Prince will ride out his 3 arbitration eligible years, and then ride out in the sunset when free agency can occur in 2012.

The Braun signing was historic.  The largest and longest contract in Brewers history signals the team is ready to keep its core players.  Corey Hart should be next.  Ben Sheets, a possiblity.

But Prince Fielder?  Doing a story with the NY Times on his vegetarian diet put up one red flag to me...that he wants to raise his profile in bigger markets like New York...Boston...and LA.

So rejoice Milwaukee, that you'll have Brauny Power for the next 7-8 years.  Because Prince will likely take his royal kingdom and play elsewhere in the next decade.

Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com