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) …

Mets sign Dessens to minor league deal  —  Former Rockies continue to find jobs as spring training approaches.  Pitcher Elmer Dessens, who gulped up some important innings for the 2007 NL pennant winning club, signed a $600,000-minor-league deal with the Mets.  He's guaranteed $72,000.

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 …

Welcome, Cliff Floyd  —  Today we announced the signing of veteran OF, Cliff Floyd.  —  We've been talking for a number of weeks internally about the need to add a left-handed bat into the mix, as our bench was looking awfully right-handed.  In an ideal world, we wanted to find a guy …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Reds sign Jones, Ward to minor deals  —  The Cincinnati Reds made two moves today that could help their thin bench situation, if Jacque Jones and Daryle Ward can make the team and can return to past performances.  —  Jones, 33, and Ward, 33, were signed Thursday to minor-league contracts with invitations to the major-league camp.

Pudge draws Marlins' interest  —  Florida reportedly a suitor for veteran catcher at right price  —  MIAMI — For the right price, the Marlins have interest in catcher Ivan Rodriguez, a league source said on Thursday.  —  Cost, however, is key.  —  The Marlins are pretty much at their budget, in the neighborhood of $33 million.