New York Yankees

The New York Yankees have already made big changes this offseason, but there are several more things that need to be done after Jan. 1 to get this team over the hump.

There are a few New Year's resolutions that Yankees management needs to make in an effort to ensure the most success in the upcoming season. The Bombers have been very active this offseason, but there's more to be done and more things that need to change.

In missing the playoffs for only the second time since 1995, New York Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman was tasked with making sure that 2013 was just an exception to the rule.

The New York Yankees bolstered their lineup in a big way this offseason by signing top-tier free agents Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury and Brian McCann. As for the pitching aspect of the equation—well, the organization still has work to do if it plans on contending next year. 

With the large amount of turnover the New York Yankees are experiencing this offseason, general manager Brian Cashman is continuing to piece together the 2014 version of the club.  As he does so, the batting order that skipper Joe Girardi writes down on his lineup card for Opening Day gradually becomes clearer.

Losing Robinson Cano was a big blow to the New York Yankees, not only because he is a great player, but because finding a quality second baseman on the open market is not easy. 

Many have pegged the New York Yankees' prolific activity this offseason as a reaction to their poor 2013 showing. This past season saw an impotent Yankees offense and a championship for the rival Boston Red Sox—both motivating factors for the team's acquisition of Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran.

Major League Baseball will reportedly investigate New York Yankees president Randy Levine for comments he made regarding Mike Trout.

An interesting tidbit of news came from New York Yankees team president Randy Levine on Friday, December 13, as he claimed that Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Mike Trout would be a player he would be willing to give a 10-year contract to.

As we are smack dab in the middle of baseball's free-agent season.  Now is a time full of hope for fans of every MLB team.  It is a period where visions of glory and supreme optimism run rampant and speculation as to who will be standing in the end invade the mind.

Even though baseball isn't being played, the passion for it remains in the heart, and as the snow covers the ground, the sport stays relevant and "fun."

With that in mind, let's take a stab at predicting what the next three years will bring for the Bronx Bombers.

For a team looking to reduce payroll commitments in 2014, the New York Yankees are not spending the offseason in the bargain-hunting section of the free-agent market. 

At this rate, it's hard to imagine the 2014 Yankees taking the field with a total payroll of less than $200 million.