Melvin says no deadline as Greinke talks continue

MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers reached opening day without a contract extension for Zack Greinke, which shouldn't come as a surprise, since the pitcher just recently hired an agent.

It shouldn't be seen as a problem, either.

"I think we have to get away from the idea that there's a deadline on opening day," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said.

As if to prove it, Melvin announced that while he met with Greinke's new agent, Casey Close, on Thursday, he has another meeting planned for Monday. Talks will continue.

"There's no timeline," Melvin said.

Melvin pointed out that the Brewers completed Ryan Braun's extension last April 21. They also worked out an extension with Corey Hart during the season in 2010.

Greinke, eligible for free agency at the end of this season, has steered clear of talk about his contract. But he has made it well known that he likes the Brewers, and the thinking has been that he's more likely than not to work out a deal to stay.

Greinke, who makes his first start Saturday against the Cardinals, is coming off a spring where he had a 2.82 ERA.

"I think he's on a mission," Braun said Friday. "I think he's determined to have a truly dominant season."