LAS VEGAS -- The Brewers offered more than $100 million for CC Sabathia, but that doesn't mean they're now flush with cash to throw at someone else.
In fact, two sources familiar with their plans said, general manager Doug Melvin can't shift any of that $100 million into other pursuits. So if the Brewers are to sign even a lower-budget free-agent pitcher, as they'd like to do, they'll have to first move one of their other salaries, possibly someone like shorstop J.J. Hardy or first baseman Prince Fielder.
One other trade possibility: center fielder Mike Cameron, who the Yankees have had interest in. The first time the Yankees asked, though, the Brewers requested Xavier Nady in return.
The Brewer rotation has two big holes, with Sabathia departing for the Yankees and Ben Sheets also out the door. The Brewers offered Sheets arbitration last week, but when he turned it down, they chose not to make him any more offers.
There had been speculation that the Brewers would pursue a closer, but the sources agreed that's very unlikely.