The Milwaukee Brewers have given a three- year contract extension to executive vice president and general manager Doug Melvin, keeping him with the club through the 2009 season. "Doug is one of the most highly respected executives in baseball and this extension validates our belief that his leadership is vital to the Milwaukee Brewers continued development," said Brewers chairman and principal owner Mark Attanasio. Melvin started his position in September 2002, becoming the eighth general manager in Brewers history. He was previously the general manager of the Texas Rangers. Last season the Brewers finished 81-81, the team's first non-losing season since 1992. The improvement was sparked by several key moves by Melvin, including the acquisitions of outfielder Carlos Lee through a trade and closer Derrick Turnbow off waivers. "I'm very pleased that Mark Attanasio and his ownership group have extended this opportunity for me to remain with the organization for the long term," said Melvin. The news comes just one day after the Brewers named Hall of Famer Robin Yount as the team's bench coach for the 2006 season.