News briefs: Sheets should be ready for spring after back surgery

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back Tuesday and is expected to be ready for spring training.

Sheets had a microscopic lumbar discectomy, a 30-minute procedure that was performed by Dr. Drew Dossett in Dallas, general manager Doug Melvin said.

Sheets, who had been bothered by a bad back for two years, will remain in Dallas until the weekend before returning to his home in Baton Rouge, La., to begin his rehabilitation. Melvin said he should begin his regular offseason throwing program in January.

Sheets was 12-14 last season with a 2.70 ERA. The Brewers scored just 19 runs in his 14 losses. He set a team record with 264 strikeouts in 237 innings.

Despite suit, Bonds' 700th HR going up for auction

SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds' 700th home run ball will be up for sale beginning Monday.

The ball will be placed on an auction site at Overstock.com from Oct. 18-27, with bids beginning at $1, said Daniel Horowitz, the attorney for the man who ended up with the historic blast at SBC Park.

Steve Williams got the ball after a scramble in the left-center bleachers. Timothy Murphy has sued Williams, saying he should get the ball because he had it locked behind his knees while at the bottom of a scrum before Williams swiped it.

A judge refused to hold up the sale, freeing Williams to sell it. Attorneys for Murphy said they are continuing with their suit.

Pair of Reds pitchers go free-agency route

CINCINNATI -- Left-hander Mike Matthews and right-hander Aaron Myette chose free agency rather than stay with the Cincinnati Reds, who took them off their 40-man roster.