Dismissing several popular theories, Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin said Monday that it was the Brewers' won-loss record over the last two years that led him to not exercise manager Ken Macha's 2011 option.

The Brewers went 157-167 (.485) during two seasons under Macha, who took the job following the team's 2008 post-season appearance.

"Whether our expectations were realistic or not, we have to look at that," Melvin said. "But we didn't meet our expectations."

Melvin admitted his share of responsibility for the Brewers' struggles, too. Macha was behind the eight ball from his first day in Milwaukee thanks to a lack of quality pitching.

He also started his tenure here with a number of inherited coaches, including Dale Sveum, the interim manager during the team's 2008 playoff run. Usually, managers are given the opportunity to build their own staffs.

"It's not always the manager's fault but sometimes, the managers get blamed," Melvin said. "I thought he did the best that he could under the circumstances."

Melvin didn't agree with the notion of a "generational gap" between Macha, 60, and his younger players. He pointed to 69-year-old Bobby Cox, 67-year-old Charlie Manuel and 55-year-old Bruce Bochy; all three of who are leading their teams into the post-season.

The Yankees' Joe Girardi, at 45, is the youngest post-season manager.

"And he's got a $200 million payroll," Melvin said. "They're all old enough to be fathers of today's players. The managers going to the playoffs are all experienced guys; they're all hardcore, down-to earth baseball guys ... similar to Ken."

Macha was reportedly unpopular with some of the team's bigger stars like Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder, though he did have a good relationship with many of the younger players and veterans.

Those rumors played little role in Melvin's decision.

"Those kind of things happen on any ball club with any manager," Melvin said. "That wasn't the crux of our conversation, there wasn't a lot of talk about that."

News first surfaced about Melvin's decision last night but it wasn't until Monday morning that Melvin had the chance to sit down and tell Macha the news face-to-face.

Macha reportedly first learned the news Sunday while listening to the radio after the team's 3-2 season-ending loss at Cincinnati. The Associated Press contacted Macha later in the day.

Melvin took exception to the fact that some reporters jumped the gun, leading Macha to learn his fate without first talking to Melvin.

"That's very disrespectful from my standpoint," Melvin said. "The media likes to put the guy in the box before he dies. I said I'd make the decision on Monday and for it to come out the night before ... that's what it is today.

"You guys have a job to do and try to beat everybody to the punch, but it's a little bothersome. I wish I had the chance to tell Ken face-to-face."

As for who replaces Macha, that process is just getting started. Melvin will travel to Arizona tomorrow where he will spend a few days with the team's instructional league coaches and players.

He and his staff will also start outlining the qualities they'll seek on the managerial market.

"Do we want an older guy, a younger guy, a proven guy ... to get a guy that's won more games than Ken Macha is going to be tough," Melvin said. "He's sixth on the list (of winningest active managers). It's going to be tough to match that part."

Melvin has not yet met with the team's coaching staff. Along with Sveum, bench coach Willie Randolph could be a candidate to replace Macha.