MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Brewers are breaking down their season after another first-round exit. 

The Crew says this exit is more disappointing than usual because they felt they had a championship caliber team. But there’s a lot of optimism moving forward about a young core despite a couple questions.

The first one that needs to be answered is at manager. Hometown skipper Craig Counsell’s contract is up and GM Matt Arnold made it clear they want him back but will not put a timeline on a manager who has done so much for the team.

As far as the players go, the big three of Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Willy Adames are up for arbitration and this coming season will be the Brewers last year of control. Arnold says, expect them to be with the team next year but they can never close the door on conversations.

Decisions will have to be made on Carlos Santana, Mark Canha and Wade Miley too, but right now the top priority is manager and the top choice is Craig Counsell.

Arnold was asked what his message to Brewers' fans would be after the season and he simply said, we are dedicated to winning the last game of the season. So, while consistent trips to the playoffs are nice, the World Series is the goal at American Family Field.