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) …

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.

Bonds' judge likely to exclude positive drug tests  —  Illston says she's inclined to leave out results unless direct testimony connects urine samples to slugger  —  SAN FRANCISCO - A federal judge overseeing Barry Bonds' criminal case said her “preliminary thoughts” are to exclude …

Moose's save situation  —  Mike Mussina, who is quoted often in Joe Torre's new book, took to the local airwaves Wednesday to address what has been perceived as him taking shots at untouchable closer Mariano Rivera in “The Yankee Years.”  —  According to one passage, Mussina said Rivera …

Mariners sign Tyler Johnson  —  Fresh off the presses, the Mariners just inked former Cardinals lefty reliever Tyler Johnson to a minor-league contract.  —  “Tyler is an experienced, left-handed reliever that gives us another option to look at for our bullpen,” Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said in a release.

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.

Jays claim reliever Beam off waivers  —  Club designates infielder Adams to make room for right-hander  —  TORONTO — The Blue Jays continued to add pitching depth on Thursday, when the club claimed right-hander T.J. Beam off waivers from the Pirates.  —  In order to clear room on its 40-man roster …

Dan Uggla, headed for arbitration, says he is not upset with Marlins  —  JUPITER — All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla said this evening that he isn't bitter because the Marlins are taking him to salary arbitration or jealous of shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who got a multi-year contract last year.