MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio says his club can be active in the upcoming trade market and take on more salary if needed.

"We're a buyer, not a seller," Attanasio told The Associated Press on Thursday.

General manager Doug Melvin has declined to address rumors with about a month to go before the July 31 trade deadline, only saying it was nearly impossible he'd consider dealing top prospects Mat Gamel and Alcides Escobar.

The Brewers are often mentioned in trade rumors because of their deep farm system and Melvin's deal last July to acquire pitcher CC Sabathia for four prospects. Sabathia is now with the Yankees.

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