Brewers GM Doug Melvin says too many good things happened to be hanging their heads.
But now, the focus immediately shifts to making sure the team doesn't slip out of postseason contention, like they did in 2009 and 2010 after tasting the playoffs in 2008.
Of course the talk dominated by the approaching free agency of Prince Fielder, and Melvin says he'll meet with Owner Mark Attanasio in early November to map out a plan.
Yet Melvin is also very realistic, hinting that signing Prince will be a tall mountain to climb while talking about how players like Ryan Braun, Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart will make more next year...and how other players are arbitration eligible, increasing the payroll without adding anyone.
In the rumors department, I'm hearing the Brewers will pursue or make competitive offers on Mets SS Jose Reyes and possibly Nationals 1B Adam LaRoche.
For more on this, click on the video link for Sports Extra with Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Greg Matzek and myself.
Other notes from Melvin's season ending presser:
He says nothing is wrong healthwise with Shaun Marcum, and he's not worried about him.
Yuniesky Betancourt did better than what the critics said.
The Brewers didn't hit well from the 5 or 6 slots, but did ok in the 7 and 8 spots.
Melvin seemed to say that Mat Gamel could be a viable option at first base, saying David Freese and Nelson Cruz didn't blossom until their late 20's and Gamel is 26.
Melvin ruled out switching Corey Hart to first, a position he played in the minors.
The Brewers GM likes Taylor Green, and didn't rule out bringing back older relievers Takahashi Saito and LaTroy Hawkins.
You can cross off K Rod. Melvin saying Francisco Rodriguez deserves to close.
The Brewers GM will get together with Craig Counsell at some point, but it's expected that the 41-year-old from Whitefish Bay will retire.
Melvin admits it's tough to repeat, but they have a good nucleus by signing Braun, Hart, and Weeks long term.
Melvin hasn't started talks with Attanasio on his own contract extension.
And you love the honesty of the Brewers GM. When asked about how every move he made seemed to go right, he replied that they had a couple of deals they almost made in spring training, and thank goodness they didn't go through, because when they looked back at the numbers of the players they would have received, they weren't very good.
Melvin says if the trades had gone through, they would have been having this press conference 3 weeks earlier, meaning the season would have ended with no playoffs.
Try finding another GM that would admit to that. You won't find him, but you know it happens.
Follow me on twitter @lanceallan
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.