Sheets might need elbow surgery  —  Deal with Rangers called off; Brewers may pay for procedure  —  MILWAUKEE — Finally, an answer to one of this winter's most puzzling questions: Why is the National League's All-Star Game starting pitcher still looking for a job?

Latest on Manny Derby and notes around majors (cont.)  —  In any case, the idea of a trio of good or better players replacing one all-time great (Abreu, Orlando Hudson and Wolf might cost about what Ramirez costs, discounting the fact Ramirez is a draw who'll bring in several million extra dollars) …

Conte questions samples collected from Bonds  —  Victor Conte has said for months that the urine samples allegedly belonging to Barry Bonds that were collected by the BALCO laboratory and tested in 2000 and 2001 raise significant questions involving authenticity and chain of custody issues.

Faithful: Pressure's on Girardi  —  Yankee fans gave Joe Torre the benefit of the doubt Wednesday, saying they'd read his new book before passing judgment on accusations that he violated the sanctity of the clubhouse and tarnished his image as a trustworthy manager.

Restructuring of MLB Blackout Policy Becoming More Remote  —  Two months from today, the 2009 regular season for Major League Baseball will get underway, and with it, fans will reach for their remotes (and wallets) to watch out-of-market games via MLB Extra Innings.

Source: Padres, Floyd agree on 1-year deal  —  The San Diego Padres have agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent outfielder Cliff Floyd, according to a major-league source.  The contract guarantees Floyd less than $1 million.  —  Floyd, 36, spent last season with Tampa Bay, where he primarily served as a designated hitter.

JAYS CLOSE TO SIGNING MILLAR  —  The Mets and Yankees both had conversations with Kevin Millar's representatives about the free-agent slugger.  But, the Post has learned, the righty swinger is almost certain to sign a minor league deal with the Blue Jays, possibly today, and no later than tomorrow.

Ward, Jones agree to Minors deals  —  Veteran sluggers could add pop and depth to Reds bench  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds signed outfielder Jacque Jones and first baseman Daryle Ward to Minor League contracts on Thursday.  The deals came with invites to big league Spring Training.

Under The Knife  —  Dr. X2  —  I walked into the restaurant and sat at the bar, figuring it wouldn't be long until the person I was waiting for showed.  Since leaving my hotel, I'd been feeling a sense of dread, excitement, and déjà vu.  Five years ago, I met with a man I called …

OTL: Texans' minicamp contact drills questioned … HOUSTON — When the Houston Texans' coaching staff announced to the linemen that they would be running one-on-one blocking drills during minicamp last May, the rumbling started immediately, players say.  —  The NFL's rules about minicamp …

Aa-rant  —  Howard Bryant wrote this article on Hank Aaron's 75th birthday bash and how much Aaron had to endure in his time and so forth.  I agree with him completely that Aaron pioneered a lot and had solid integrity.  More than most, I even agree with Bryant that baseball owes a duty of morality to the public.