Much of the early trade buzz in the majors right now centers on the Brewers' interest in Cleveland left-hander C.C. Sabathia, who is on the market.

General manager Doug Melvin confirmed that special assistant Dick Groch was in Chicago on Wednesday to monitor Sabathia's outing against the White Sox.

"We've seen him pitch a couple of times," said Melvin, who declined to elaborate on any interest he has in the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. "We look at a lot of guys."

The Indians reportedly had scouts looking at Class A Brevard County third baseman Taylor Green, the Brewers' minor league Player of the Year in 2007. Cleveland is believed to be taking a close look at the Brewers' prospect-laden Class AA Huntsville club, too.

Green, 21, was hitting .296 at Brevard with nine home runs, 48 RBI and a .380 on-base percentage in 77 games. Last year at Class A West Virginia, Green batted .327 with 14 home runs and 86 RBI.

The Indians also reportedly have interest in Class AA Huntsville outfielder Matt LaPorta, the Brewers' first-round draft pick in 2007.

Asked about Cleveland having interest in specific players in his system, Melvin said, "I can't comment on that. There's probably a lot of clubs looking at our guys."

BREWERS 9, PIRATES 1: After their most devastating loss of the season, the Brewers needed something to laugh about. And they got it. Returning home from a three-city trip at the end of which they blew a five-run lead in the ninth inning in Arizona, the Brewers compiled 14 hits and romped over the Pirates. RHP Ben Sheets had to battle through 5 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits and three walks but somehow only one run. RHP Carlos Villanueva took over from there, covering the final 3 1/3 innings and allowing just one hit to save the rest of a weary bullpen from having to work. SS J.J. Hardy (4-for-5) and 3B Bill Hall (3-for-4) each hit homers.

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