Team Not Talking About Sheffield

Trying to refocus on baseball, the Dodgers said Sunday they would not comment again on the Gary Sheffield trade situation until it is resolved.

General Manager Kevin Malone and Derrick Hall, senior vice president, announced the policy change in an attempt to prevent the Sheffield issue from becoming a distraction.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets continued to pursue the disgruntled left fielder, baseball sources said, and the Yankees monitored the situation, which Malone said he doubted would be resolved soon.

Sheffield reiterated his desire to be traded to one of the aforementioned teams in a brief clubhouse conversation with Malone, but the Dodgers maintain they are under no pressure to trade Sheffield despite industry perception to the contrary.

Sheffield and his agent, Jim Neader, are holding some cards, but the Dodgers said they are still in the game.

“Today will be the last day we talk about this,” Malone said. “We need to reestablish focus on the team and what we need to do to get better for opening day. I think we all understand Gary’s desire either to be a lifetime Dodger or play elsewhere, but we’re going to continue to stay focused on what’s best for the team.

“If we can provide Gary with his request, we’ll do so, but we have to get fair value. If not, there’s a good chance Gary will play for the Dodgers this season. We’ve all heard what Gary has had to say and we’ll take that into consideration, but we will not make any bad trades just to fulfill his requests.”

The Mets had been considered the front-runners to acquire Sheffield, but sources said talks between the teams have stalled because Met General Manager Steve Phillips has excluded many players from discussion.

Their National League East division rivals have been more cooperative to this point.

Malone has had many encouraging talks with Atlanta General Manager John Schuerholz, who might offer catcher Javy Lopez as the centerpiece of a multiplayer package for Sheffield.

“The Mets’ interest has seemed to have diminished while other clubs in the National League East have been much more aggressive and willing to get a deal done,” said Malone, who declined to discuss the Braves’ efforts specifically.

Of course, Malone and Phillips have been known to send messages through the media, and this is a public poker game, so Sheffield might still land at Shea Stadium.

It had been believed that the Yankees would not be active in the process because of payroll concerns, but Malone said the three-time defending World Series champions are in the Sheffield mix.

“The Yankees have been very fair in our discussions,” Malone said. “They’ve made it clear that their club is in a strong position [to make a deal].”

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Adrian Beltre, recovering from an appendectomy and infection, resumed physical activity after suffering a setback last week.

Beltre worked on the treadmill and in the weight room, and Manager Jim Tracy said the third baseman is making progress.

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Eric Karros continued to receive treatment for a sprained back that has sidelined him since he reported to Dodgertown.

“Karros has a little more pep in his step,” Tracy said. “That was very encouraging.”