Jon Heyman's Mailbag Got a question or comment for Jon? Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND Justin Upton is just one reason why the Diamondbacks are off to a hot start in the desert. Peter Read Miller/SI

Betemit struggling with sight

The Yankees' infield woes are compounded by Wilson Betemit's troubles with his eyesight, SI.com has learned. Betemit is "having trouble seeing'' one clubhouse source said last week.

"He got contacts and goggles in spring training, and he's just adjusting to them and dealing with those issues,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. Betemit has remained active but hasn't batted since April 8.

It wasn't Betemit's error in the one game he replaced injured Derek Jeter (thigh) that caused manager Joe Girardi to request a callup for Alberto Gonzalez. Girardi wanted a defensive specialist. Betemit's eyesight problems made Gonzalez a necessity, though.

Baseball fundraiser for 9/11 victim

Cashman, the Mets and Bobby Valentine have donated memorabilia for an auction to benefit the four daughters of New York City police sergeant Ned Thompson, a first responder on 9/11 who died at 39 of lung cancer on March 9. Cashman also sent Thompson a letter before he died.

Thompson never smoked but was one of many workers who contracted devastating health problems later. Before he died Thompson was quoted as saying, "I'd do it again'' of his choice to look for victims that terrible day. He left a wife and four young daughters, ages 8, 5 (twins) and 2. The auction will be on April 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Galway Hooker restaurant on 36th Street between Fifth and Madison avenues in Manhattan.

Those interested can call 212-741-4828 or send donations to the Trust for the Benefit of Edward D. Thompson Children, 35 Edgewood Ave., Little Silver, N.J. 07739.

Around the Majors

• Justin Upton (five homers, 11 RBIs, .400) already looks like a star. People who know both Upton brothers say Justin is as intense as B.J. is laid back. It looks like both are going to be big-time players.

• Francisco Rodriguez and Scot Shields aren't at full strength for the Angels, leading to Darren Oliver being used in eighth-inning situations and Justin Speier being called into a save situation. K-Rod is only throwing in the low 90s and his breaking stuff isn't the same, scouts say.

• Giants hitting prospect Dan Ortmeier has apparently given up batting left handed after struggling from that side. In his first time batting right handed against a righty pitcher (San Diego's Heath Bell), Ortmeier hit a walkoff double to beat the Padres 1-0. Scouts said Ortmeier looked awful this spring. Maybe this will help.

• It appears that the Mets have already honored Carlos Delgado by erecting a statue of him that's placed near first base whenever the Mets are in the field.

• Right-hander Max Scherzer, who throws 98 mph, looks like Arizona's closer of the future. But he's off to a pretty good start as a starter; in his first 12 innings as a starter for Triple-A Tucson he has allowed five hits, two walks and no runs while striking out 18.

• The Indians got the bargain to end all bargains when they signed Fausto Carmona to a contract that guarantees only $15 million over four years and includes three team options that could bring the total value to $47.25 million. Yet Indians GM Mark Shapiro was loathe to take credit, saying a contract can't be judged at the time of the signing. This one, however, appears as one-sided as they come.

• Joe Girardi's big problem wasn't allowing Mike Mussina to pitch to Manny Ramirez with two on in the sixth inning on Saturday (Ramirez roped a two-run double that drove in the tying and, eventually, winning run). It was allowing Mussina to make the call -- and, as some execs think, in admitting that he let Mussina sway him.

• Believe it or not, there are tickets for the Mets' Shea Stadium finale (vs. the Marlins) going for $20,000 on the Internet. Good seats, of course.