Attanasio Shows His Commitment to Milwaukee

Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio said Thursday's $105 million contract extension for outfielder Ryan Braun should show that he's rooted in Milwaukee and not planning to pursue the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Attanasio, a Los Angeles-based financier, was one of the names bandied about as a potential Dodgers suitor after news that Major League Baseball was assuming day-to-day operations of the club from Frank McCourt. But Attanasio said he has not done any investigating into the Dodgers situation -- "absolutely none" -- and does not intend to do so.

Why does his name keep popping up in rumors involving other teams?

"Because this is very big news in Los Angeles," said Attanasio, who was born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y., as a Yankees fan but has lived in L.A. for more than decade. "There's a lot of folks' names that seem to be coming up a lot. I guess mine keeps coming up."

Attanasio said Braun's extension should demonstrate both the player's commitment to Milwaukee and the owner's. Attanasio owns a home in a downtown Milwaukee high-rise and has been the Brewers' principal owner since 2005.

Brewers spokesperson Tyler Barnes was first to address the rumors on Thursday morning when he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that, "Attanasio is thrilled to be the owner of the Brewers." Barnes said.

Let's hope he keeps getting players that help the Brewers get to the playoffs and then the World Series.