The improving AL West should be a concern for the Yankees

Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty ImagesThe New York Yankees haven’t had a good offseason so far. Yes, it’s still early, but the scenario is atypical: because of the looming lockout, teams moved quickly to sign their targets and the player pool is now drying up. There are still great players available, but many of them have already committed their future to new clubs.

The Yankees need a shortstop, can use an upgrade at first base, should bring at least a capable center fielder for depth purposes, and must bring at least two or three starters to shore up the rotation. Clearly, there is work to do, yet the organization has taken a passive approach to the market that may end up being detrimental to…