Even though the Yankees made the postseason last year, it was still sort of a failure for the Bronx Bombers. The Yanks started off the 2015 season hot. It looked like they might have been on their way to a 28th world championship.

But as the season progressed, it became apparent that they were not built for a long post-season run. Their hitting sizzled down, their all-stars' production dipped, and most importantly, their pitching just was not there.

The Yankees still have an overall solid team, but they don't have what it takes to make it to the Fall Classic. the 2015-2016 offseason is crucial for the Yankees, and Brian Cashman needs to address the specific needs of the team.

5. Second base

There's no other way to say it, Stephen Drew had a horrible year for the Yankees. Posting a terrible .201 batting average in 131 games played simply won't cut it. The only bright spot in his 2015 statistics were the 17 home runs that he hit.

Second base is one of the biggest problems that New York needs to address. The one name that pops to mind when it comes to star second base free agents is Ben Zobrist. Zobrist recently won the World Series with the Kansas City Royals. He has a good bat and a very good glove. Since second base is a key position for the Yankees, the fit seems perfect, but it was reported that at the trade deadline, the Yanks declined a trade for him.

So we'll have to see what Cashman has up his sleeve for the 2016 season.

4. Trading Brett Gardner

Brett Gardner's time in New York is almost up. He posted All Star numbers in the first half of 2015, but completely fell off in the second half of the season.

For the Yankees to be successful they need to go out and get someone who can stay more consistent. A possible trade scenario the Yankees can think of is trading Gardner for good, young pitching and then going out there and signing someone like Justin Upton. This scenario would be a win-win in every aspect for the Yankees. They would improve their pitching, which they are in desperate need of, and would also add to their power numbers with Upton.

3. Groom Greg Bird For Right Field

Greg Bird was sensational for the Yankees after he was called up from the minors. It is clear that he is MLB ready, but there is one clear problem with his situation in New York: he has no position.

Manager Joe Girardi has stated that he doesn't think Bird is athletic enough to play anything but first base, but with the Yankees already having Mark Teixeira at first base, this leaves Bird in a tough spot. If the Yanks can get Bird ready to play right field, then they can have his production in addition to Teixeria's in their already potent lineup.

The only downside to this move would be the fact that Carlos Beltran's bat would be out of the lineup a lot more. Girardi would have to find a way to juggle A-Rod, Beltran and Bird, since all of their bats are important in New York.

2. Trading CC Sabathia

CC Sabathia was a great pitcher for the Yankees for a number of years, but it seems that his age has caught up to him. His production has dipped exponentially, and it's gotten to a point where he is a liability on the field. He posted a 6-10 record and a 4.73 ERA. These numbers were much worse before a somewhat respectable September.

Right before the Yankees' playoff game, Sabathia checked himself into rehab, citing that he was living an alcoholic lifestyle. His timing of his decision was horrible, and caused many to doubt his devotion to the team.

With Sabathia's contract, it definitely won't be easy to trade him, but if the Yanks can get any sort of production back from another team, it would be a success.

It's possible that there is a team out there who thinks they can save Sabathia's career, and if New York eats some of his contract, it's possible that they can get a solid player back in return.

1. Improving their Starting Pitching

The biggest problem the Yankees had in 2015 was their starting pitching. They lack a number one starter, with the dip in production from Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda, the Yankees had no real star.

Nathan Eovaldi had a solid year, with a record of 14-3, he clearly had the best record on the staff. His ERA was very questionable though, with such a good record like that and an ERA of 4.20, you can't help but wonder if he really was that good or if he just got amazing run support. New York needs to go out and sign one of the top free agents out there. Whether that is David Price, the best possible option, or someone like Jeff Samardzija.

They can also acquire pitching through trades as well. Someone like Brett Gardner is a great trade option and can really bring back good talent. If anyone can fix the Yankees, it's their GM Brian Cashman. He's been amazing for years and this offseason shouldn't be any different.

New York always strives to be a World Series contender, and they certainly have some work to do, but 2016 could be a great year for the Bronx Bombers.