MLB

The 2014 MLB free-agent class is the best of the last decade. But where does its strength lie? Is it in the pitching department? The outfield? Catching? 

Does it have depth, star power or both? Will the supply and demand of the market force some teams to move quicker at certain positions than in others? 

The New York Yankees may have problems, but let's not go overboard. New York and the Yankees are still a draw, still an attractive destination for players.

Even if the team happens to be coming off a playoff-less 2013 campaign, it was only the second such over the past 19 season.

In New York, the Yankees are preparing to spend money like it's 2008 all over again. Five years after drowning their third-place finish sorrows away by spending over $400 million combined on CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett, the Yankees are poised to hand out big-money deals. The names have changed, but the objective remains to spend.

The Kansas City Royals took a step forward as a successful franchise in 2013.  They produced a winning season for the first time in 10 years.  They continued to be relevant late into the season.  They had people talking about the possibility of them in the postseason.  The season has come to an end and the baseball world continues to talk about the Kansas City Royals.

Cuba and Major League Baseball have what we'll simply refer to as an "interesting" relationship. 

There is no official pipeline between Cuba and the big leagues, as the best Cuban ballplayers technically aren't allowed to go play ball in the States. MLB gets some of the country's best players anyway, of course. All thanks to...Well, we'll refer to them as "interesting" means.

On the path to a World Series title, the Boston Red Sox showed the ability to hit in the biggest moments on the October stage. If their free-agency blueprint stays on course, a deep, clutch lineup will soon be even more dangerous.

With the free-agent market pretty thin on top-flight pitchers, the biggest potential move involving a hurler this offseason might end up being a trade. Knowing they probably can't afford to re-sign David Price when he hits free agency after the 2015 season, the Rays are reportedly considering dealing the 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner.

While Price may be the most coveted pitcher on the move this Hot Stove season, there's still some intriguing arms that can be had the old fashioned way: with cold, hard cash (and maybe a draft pick).

It's no secret that the Los Angeles Dodgers have four outfielders on their roster who are capable of starting for most teams in the majors.

MLB trade rumors often stir up questions about team aspirations for the next season. Notable offseason questions include—are the Los Angeles Dodgers a piece away from winning the World Series? Could constant trade rumor subject David Price be that piece?

By signing catcher Brayan Pena to a two-year deal—as reported by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com—the Cincinnati Reds have dropped a not-so-subtle hint that All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman is moving into their 2014 starting rotation.