Sveum will not manage Brewers in 2009; GM Melvin gets extension
Sports Network | October 17, 2008
Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - The Milwaukee Brewers announced Friday that Dale Sveum, who served as interim manager of the team in late September through a first-round loss in the playoffs, would not get the permanent job for next season.
The team also disclosed a three-year contract extension for general manager Doug Melvin through the 2012 season, while announcing hitting coach Jim Skaalen would not be offered a contract for 2009.
Sveum took over for the fired Ned Yost on September 15 and guided the Brewers to a 7-5 mark, including wins in six of their seven final regular season games to make the playoffs as the wild card winner. Milwaukee, which finished 90-72 and was in the postseason for the first time since 1982, was beaten in four games by Philadelphia in the Division Series.
"Dale is a solid baseball man," said Melvin. "He is a loyal and hard-working individual who will get a high recommendation from me to our new manager to remain on the coaching staff. This decision allows us to widen our search to experienced managerial candidates."
Sveum previously served on the coaching staff as third-base coach (2006, '08) and bench coach (2007).
Melvin, who is also the team's executive vice president, was named to his post in September 2002. Under his leadership, the Brewers have produced consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1991 and 1992.
"This season, we reached a significant milestone by advancing to the postseason, and this could not have been accomplished without the efforts of Doug Melvin and his staff," said Brewers owner Mark Attanasio. "Since I first began working with Doug four years ago, one constant has been his unfailing leadership as we have worked toward building a consistently competitive team. He is one of the most respected individuals in the game, and we are proud to have him as a key member of the Milwaukee Brewers."
Skaalen was the Brewers hitting coach for the last two seasons.
