"We'll make good baseball deals if they're out there," Melvin told FOXSports.com, "But our players are too talented and too young (to move). If you're trading guys in their first or second year of arbitration, you can't really build like that.

"We've got four players who were All-Stars in their first four years — Fielder, Hardy, (Corey) Hart and (Ryan Braun). They're talented players. We've got two good young pitchers — (Yovani) Gallardo and (Manny) Parra. We'll have to scramble for pitching a bit now."

The Brewers met on Tuesday with free-agent right-hander Ben Sheets, who declined their offer of salary arbitration and is drawing interest from the Yankees and Rangers. They also met with the agents for free-agent left-hander Brian Fuentes, who could replace their retired closer, Salomon Torres.

While trades of young players are unlikely, the Brewers could attempt to move higher-priced veterans such as center fielder Mike Cameron and infielder/outfielder Bill Hall — both of whom are friends with Sabathia, both of whom have drawn interest from the Yankees.

Melvin said the Brewers gave "serious consideration" to offering Sabathia a sixth year after making him an initial five-year, $100 million proposal, but ultimately did not go to that length.

Milwaukee Brewers News News » GM: Brewers not planning to sell off young talent
GM: Brewers not planning to sell off young talent
LAS VEGAS - The Brewers, on the verge of losing free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia, do not plan to tear down their roster and trade players such as first baseman Prince Fielder and shortstop J.J. Hardy, general manager Doug Melvin said Wednesday morning. MLB Winter Meetings