The Brewers widely are perceived to be on the lookout for relief help but that might not be the case, according to general manager Doug Melvin.

"Maybe in September we'll look to add a veteran guy, but I don't anticipate making a trade for somebody who's not much better than what we have," said Melvin.

"As long as our starting pitching continues to pitch well, I like our bullpen."

The Brewers have been mentioned in trade rumors involving Baltimore closer George Sherrill, but Melvin said the Orioles' asking price is too high. Baltimore, in particular, is looking for a shortstop, and the Brewers aren't going to trade incumbent J.J. Hardy or prospect Alcides Escobar.

"Certain positions are hard to find, and shortstop is one of them," said Melvin. "We've got a good one in the big leagues and a good, young one in the minor leagues."

Melvin believes the trade for left-hander CC Sabathia has eased the burden on his bullpen. Sabathia has pitched complete games in each of his last three starts.

Salomon Torres has been very solid since taking over as closer, converting 17 of 19 save opportunities. Melvin doesn't believe he can find anything better without paying an exorbitant price.

ASTROS 3, BREWERS 1: Two eight-game winning streaks went by the boards -- the Brewers' and left-hander Manny Parra's. The Brewers returned home from their first-ever 7-0 road trip and eight wins in a row overall and laid an offensive egg, managing just one run and three hits in six innings against Houston lefty Wandy Rodriguez. The Brewers finished with five hits overall and missed their opportunity to tie the Cubs for first place in the NL Central. Parra was brilliant until the seventh inning, when Houston loaded the bases with no outs. Reliever David Riske took over and allowed all three runners to score on a pair of sacrifice flies and a single. The Brewers disappointed a crowd of 41,357 fans, who were excited about their club's historic road trip.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.