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?

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.

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) …

Bush designated to clear room for Floyd  —  Former No. 1 pick draws interest from other clubs, says Towers  —  SAN DIEGO — If Matt Bush, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, is to make it to the Major Leagues, it won't be with the Padres.

Classic will let Jeter face Yankees  —  Captain looking forward to playing teammates in March game  —  NEW YORK — Derek Jeter playing against the New York Yankees?  —  For years, that scenario has been a fascinating what-might-have-been: five big league teams passed on the opportunity …

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 …

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.

25 Random Facts About 25 Random Yankees  —  There's a phenomenon going around on Facebook these days where people write a note listing 25 random facts about themselves.  With spring training still a week away, I thought we'd take a break from dissecting Joe Torre's book and offer a similar note here on Bats.

Sampson anticipates start of camp  —  Reliever feeling strong after offseason elbow surgery  —  HOUSTON — With one day remaining until the Astros' equipment truck is packed up and shipped off to Kissimmee, Fla., reliever Chris Sampson dropped by the home clubhouse at Minute Maid Park …

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.

NCAA says Meyer contacting recruit is not a violation, Kiffin apologizes  —  Reporter: Wes Boling  —  Email Address: wes.boling@wvlt-tv.com  —  “I've been made aware by the Southeastern Conference that my comments this morning at a breakfast with our donors violated a conference policy.

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 …