Brewers bounce brass

Milwaukee The Milwaukee Brewers, completing their worst season in the 34-year history of the franchise, replaced team president Wendy Selig-Prieb and general manager Dean Taylor on Wednesday. The team held an evening news conference at Miller Park to announce the top-level shakeup.

Attorney Ulice Payne, a former state securities commissioner, replaces Selig-Prieb as team president. Doug Melvin, a former general manager with the Texas Rangers, will be the new general manager.

Selig-Prieb, daughter of commissioner Bud Selig, remains with the team in a newly created post as board chairman, but Payne will make day-to-day decisions.

Rolen, Cards near deal

Scott Rolen, headed to postseason play for the first time in his career, and the St. Louis Cardinals are close to finalizing a $90 million, eight-year contract, sources told The Associated Press.

Traded from Philadelphia to the Cardinals on July 29, Rolen was eligible for free agency after the season. But the All-Star third baseman quickly embraced his situation in St. Louis, and wanted to stay with the team.

Rolen has 30 homers and 108 RBIs and is hitting .267 this year. He’s been surging lately, helping the Cardinals win 18 of 21 games to clinch the division.

One of Rolen’s agents, Seth Levinson, was in St. Louis on Wednesday. Two of Rolen’s other agents were set to travel to St. Louis for further talks.