Two out of three ain't bad.

Jon Heyman identifies three key Yankee concerns for the upcoming 2006 season.

Number one is Carl Pavano:

"The $39.95-million enigma has reported an assortment of physical ailments since signing and doesn't always give the impression he's anxious to get back to work."

I agree. Pavano is not only a mediocre pitcher, he also seems soft and gutless.

Pavano had one good season and that was in the National League. I'm not sure why GMs around the league thought he was Curt Schilling instead of Javier Vazquez or Pete Schourek or Pete Harnisch. So, the Yankees bought the hype and will pay a lot of money for an average starting pitcher.

Time will tell, but I wouldn't be surprised if the same fate befalls Josh Beckett.


A second concern is Robinson Cano's work ethic. It is widely reported that he showed up for Spring Training out of shape:

"But one of the first things scouts are noticing is how much bigger Robinson Cano is, and not necessarily in a good way. Torre is a big fan and sees 30 homers a year in Cano's future, but one Yankees teammate said he could see Cano going either way: Cooperstown in 20 years or Columbus in 20 weeks. Fortunately, Damon, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are there to set perfect examples.

The Yankees say Cano is only seven pounds heavier than he was at the start of spring training in 2005 and that he's put on mostly muscle. Oddly enough, it appears to be all in his backside."

I'm not sure if it really matters too much. Bat ninth, try to avoid grounding into too many double plays, and turn the double plays in the field. Damon and Jeter on on deck, so just try to save their ups.

I hope Cano's lax attitude is more of a perception than reality, but maybe Larry Bowa can whip Cano into shape, since Joe Torre is more concerned with being lovable Uncle Joe.

(Maybe the dude who complained about Cano's attitude in the ice cream shop was onto something!)

Okay, so we've got one and a half problems so far.


Guess what Heyman identifies as problem #3? Can you guess?

None other than Gary Sheffield:

"Gary Sheffield, who's already suggested that Brian Cashman doesn't deserve his trust, ridiculed the 10-year contracts of star teammates (gee, who could he be talking about there?) and threatened to act up if he isn't treated right. Anything short of handing him gobs of cash daily as he enters the clubhouse could spell continuing trouble."