The Yankees failed to land Barry Zito, but at the price the Giants paid for the lefty, it's another sign of fiscal intelligence from Cashman and gang.

Apparently, there is a limit to even what the Yankees can spend, and they’d reached it. There also is evidence that word has finally seeped through the thick walls — and thicker heads — of the Tampa bunker that the pinstripes can continue to make the playoffs following what is now a tired script, but they aren’t going to win the World Series without a couple of top young arms in the starting rotation.

Wright wasn’t it. Carl Pavano shows no signs of being the man, either. Johnson is old and very hittable. Chien-Ming Wang is a terrific No. 2 or 3 starter, but he’s not an ace. Mike Mussina is 39 and losing effectiveness.

Pettitte helps, but he’s not an ace, either. And Clemens, should the Yankees make that move, would help a lot through August and September. In the next year or two, the crown jewel of the minor league system, Philip Hughes, could become the next great Yankee home-grown starter.

But right now, the Yankees need a No. 1 starter. Clemens could be that man. If that’s the plan, it’s a good one. And how long has it been since we’ve been able to say that?

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