The honeymoon is over.

Mark Attanasio has had it pretty easy as the owner of the Milwaukee Brewers up to this point.  He took over an organization with a competent front office in place, a budding farm system, and excitement from the local fan base hoping that the youth movement can produce a winner.  Wisely, he added attractions in Miller Park and the number of give-away days to increase interest of the casual fan.  The stadium has been packed all summer, and we're now at the point where fans expect a post season appearance.

But one September swoon really changed the outlook of this organization.  Manager Ned Yost has been fired and now a decision needs to be made regarding Doug Melvin's future as General Manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.  Melvin has one year left on his contract, which is a terrible situation for a GM who has pressure to win now.

It's taken 9 years and two GMs to bring some respectability back to baseball in Milwaukee.  Dean Taylor got the ball rolling, hiring Jack Zduriencik and rebuilding the farm system.  Doug Melvin and his staff took over and made some shrewd moves to replenish the talent on the major league roster.  Now Mark Attanasio needs to decide if Melvin is the guy to lead the Milwaukee Brewers in the next phase.

The young talent is hitting arbitration and will command higher salaries.  The club may not be able to afford the options of some of its veteran talent.  The pitching staff and bullpen are again going to be an off season priority.  Is it time for someone else to mold this roster?

Lame duck GMs can be prone to making poor long-term decisions as a last attempt to keep their jobs.  Make a high priced off season signing, or ship off some cheap young talent for a cagey veteran to win this year.  We'd all love to win this year, but at what cost?  This is all assuming that an owner like Mark Attanasio would even give his General Manager free reign with one season left on his contract.  Can Melvin effectively do his job if his hands are tied by an uncertain future?

Now is the time to make a move.  Extend Doug Melvin, or thank him for his hard work and show him the door.  With a roster that is just starting to mature and is now competitive, they can't afford to have indecision in the front office.

Congratulations Mark, you own a baseball team.  You've given away bobbleheads, signed free agents and let your dad sing the national anthem on Opening Day.  But now you get to make a real decision, one that you'll be held accountable for for years to come.