Today's pinstriped news

Less than two weeks until pitchers and catchers report.

Good news.

David Cone, who has lived a private life since his short comeback with the Mets in 2003, returned Wednesday to a more public role as a booth and studio analyst for a combined 50 to 75 games on the YES Network. He signed a two-year contract.

Bad news.

SHEPPARD STRUGGLING Bob Sheppard, the Yankees’ distinctive public-address announcer since 1951, who missed the division series last October because of a bronchial infection, “is struggling to recover his health,” a spokesman for the Yankees, Howard Rubenstein, said Wednesday.

The team “hopes he can return to the booth,” Rubenstein added.

Welcome back, David.

Get well, Bob. Games at Yankee Stadium just aren't the same without your voice.