Geoff Jenkins has been a good soldier for the Milwaukee Brewers over the course of the last 10 years. The team's first-round draft pick in 1995, Jenkins worked his way up through the organizational ranks and is currently the longest-tenured Brewer; having suffered through some of the lowest points in franchise history.

During his career, he has tantalized fans with glimpses of insane talent and crushing power at the plate. He has also frustrated those same fans with an infuriating lack of plate discipline and prolonged slumps, which culminated in his temporary benching at the end of last season.

As the old adage goes, all good things must come to an end.

Jenkins handled his benching with as much dignity as can be expected of a man in his position. He didn't gripe to the media, he didn't start a feud in the clubhouse and he didn't throw a tantrum like many other major leaguers would have done.

The right-fielder said all the politically correct things and found himself back in a starting role not too long after manager Ned Yost made his decision, thanks to a continuing glut of injuries. Living up to his legacy, the up-to-that-point disappointing Jenkins went on a tear, batting .406 over the last few weeks of the year with seven home runs and 12 RBI.

But it was too little, too late then and not much has changed going into spring training, where Jenkins knows he has much to prove, but still expects to be the starting left-fielder

Jenkins and Yost have both said they cleared the air and found a common ground during a winter conversation. Jenkins' name was attached to trade rumors for weeks with no action. Now, with camp underway, Jenkins has let it be known that he is less than thrilled at the prospect of sharing time in the Brewers' crowded outfield.

When asked by Adam McCalvy of MLB.com what needs to happen if he isn't named the team's everyday left-fielder, Jenkins didn't mince words.

"I gotta go," he told McCalvy. "They owe that much to me, for as much as I've done for the organization, to at least put me in a situation where I have a place to play. I've done nothing but be the utmost team player."

That's not the attitude a team needs - and especially wants - from its veteran leader, and it's a far cry from the teary and emotional Jenkins that talked to reporters about his future in Milwaukee after the Brewers' Miller Park finale last year.

Jenkins is a team player, and a genuinely good guy. He signs autographs, works with Brewers Charities and has stayed out of trouble. This isn't a knock of the man as a man, but in terms of what the Brewers are trying to do, it just isn't going to work.

It's time to move on. Taking into account his track record and this year's $7 million salary, Jenkins isn't exactly in a position to make statements like that and keep his dwindling base of supporters in his camp. Yost and general manager Doug Melvin have been patient and as accommodating as possible during their five years in Milwaukee, and were more bothered by Jenkins' unwillingness to adjust than by his lack of performance.

The Brewers are trying to turn the corner with their young talent, and can't afford to let Jenkins' slot in the lineup become a black hole. Between himself and fellow underachieving outfielder Kevin Mench, Yost could have a productive platoon situation in left field.

Mench isn't too pleased with the situation either, telling MLB.com that "Everybody can play every day somewhere, so if they're not going to [let us] do that, we need to go where we can play. It's kind of unnerving not knowing where you'll end up."

Where Jenkins has had recent struggles against left-handers (.144 in 2006) he batted .306 against righties. Mench, acquired from Texas in the Carlos Lee deal struggled with the Brewers but has hit left-handers at a .307 clip with just 24 strikeouts in the last three seasons.

Yost is hoping that those trends continue this season with the Brewers. Should one of those players get on a roll and show the manager that they can handle the job everyday, then that's who should get the nod. There are nine outfielders in camp, all of whom bring something to the table. If they're not happy with the prospect of sharing time, then somebody needs to put forth the effort to earn a spot, regardless of age, experience, or seniority

But to say you're the man without having proved it - past successes not withstanding - then you're not the right person for the team.

Jenkins has been a model citizen, a great player, and good to the franchise in the past. Still, to make the suggestion that he is "owed" a starting job for those reasons is out of line and out of character for Jenkins. The franchise he has been so good to has paid him a lot of money to produce in the manner that he has.

It's a shame that it has to come to this, but his time has come and gone. If the Brewers want to take the next step, it's time to find a taker for Jenkins and continue building towards the future.