Corey Hart is going public with his desire for a contract extension in Milwaukee, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Hart, who has been with the Brewers for his entire major league career, remained with the club after being linked to the Giants in the weeks leading up to the deadline.
Hart will be under club control through 2011, but says that he wants to stay with the club for longer:
"They know that," the two-time All-Star said. "I think, obviously, there are different variables. They have to figure out what to do with Prince [Fielder] and whether I'm part of what their long-term [plan] is."
As McCalvy points out, the Brewers haven't had an easy time negotiating with Hart's agent Jeff Berry in the past. Their most recent duel resulted in the two sides going to arbitration over Hart's contract following the 2009 season. Berry's client won the hearing, the Brewers' first since 1998.
After flirting with dealing Hart at the deadline, one has to wonder if Milwaukee will look to deal him in the offseason rather than lock him up long-term.