Around the Empire: New York Yankees News - 12/12/14

New York Daily News | John Harper: If the Yankees want to avoid sitting home during the playoffs for a third season in a row they are going to need to sign Max Scherzer.

New York Post | George King III: Alex Rodriguez needs to lose a few pounds between now and when position players report to spring training in February.

LoHud | Chad Jennings: The Yankees didn't lose anyone in yesterday's Rule 5 draft and they didn't take anyone either, choosing instead to use available 40-man spots elsewhere.

NorthJersey.com | Pete Caldera: Although the Yankees were quiet at the Winter Meetings, Brian Cashman still needs to work on the rotation, the bullpen, and third base.

ESPN New York | Wallace Matthews: Don't count on the Yankees sitting out the rest of the offseason just because they were quiet at this week's Winter Meetings. No one in the front office can be naive enough to think putting virtually the same team as last year on the field is going to be good enough.