Brewers GM on Yanks' offer to CC: 'Sounds like they're overbidding'

Melvin said the Brewers considered Sabathia a "special case," meaning they won't funnel $100 million to other free agents if the big lefty goes elsewhere. The Brewers would seek another pitcher, however, perhaps deciding to bid on their other free-agent starter, right-hander Ben Sheets.

Otherwise, Melvin will explore the trade market. He needs to find a bullpen closer and is on the hunt for at least one left-handed bat for his lineup but wants to address his starting rotation first.

Because Sabathia is the cream of the free-agent pitching crop this year, the feeling in the industry is that the players union will exert pressure on his representatives to take the best deal and thus raise the bar for others to follow.

Asked if he expected union pressure, Melvin simply said, "Yeah, probably."

Kyles joins staff: The Brewers completed new manager Ken Macha's coaching staff by naming Class AAA Nashville pitching coach Stan Kyles as the bullpen coach.

Kyles, 47, spent the past four seasons as the pitching coach in Nashville and has been in the Brewers' system for eight years. He previously served as the pitching coach for Class AAA Indianapolis (2004), Class AA Huntsville (2002-'03) and Class A High Desert (2001).

Kyles currently is coaching in the Dominican Winter League for Azucareros Del Este.

"Stan knows a lot of the pitchers that will be in our bullpen," Melvin said. "He's worked with a lot of them in the minors and in spring training.

"It's good that Ken is willing to give people in our organization a chance. We have a couple of new guys and then some guys who have been here before."

Kyles joins a staff that includes bench coach Willie Randolph, hitting coach Dale Sveum, pitching coach Bill Castro, first-base coach Ed Sedar and third-base coach Brad Fischer.

(c) 2008, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Distributed by Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.