The Milwaukee Brewers are 11 games out of first place in the National League Central, so they’re already looking toward 2011 and beyond to get their team back into the post season. Tom Haudricourt of the Journal-Sentinel says that process begins with Brewers trying to identify the “keepers” and “non-keepers” on their roster.

Keepers
Corey Hart – recently signed a three-year, $26.5 million contract extenion

Rickie Weeks – an extension should come soon when he replaces his agent.

Non-keepers
Prince Fielder – likely unaffordable especially with super agent Scott Boras. Back in April, it was rumored that the starting point the negotiations would begin would be eight-years for $200 million.

Haudricourt says the Brewers will likely seek a trade for Fielder this winter for pitching. With that said, they will need to find a new first baseman for 2011 and beyond. Prospect Mat Gamel could be a candidate for that position. The team will expose him more to the first base position over the final month to “expand his horizons.”