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?

More news

NBC Sports

Torre: 'The game isn't perfect'

DPS: MLB executive Joe Torre talks to Dan Patrick about instant replay in baseball. Torre says that the game isn't perfect, but there are limits as to what instant replay should be used for. He draws the line at using it for balls and strikes.

CSN: Phils rally past Reds  |  'Shut up and play'

Headlines

• Label

Yanks blank Jays  |  Reyes eyes June return

HBT: J-Up hits monster grand slam in Braves win

Rockies Pacheco slams Giants in narrow win

HBT: Goldschmidt red-hot  |  Snakes top Fish

Rays outlast Orioles in 12-10 slugfest

Tribe scores 3 in 10th, slips past Mariners

Bucs eke out win over former rivals Astros

CSN: Nolan Ryan's son named Astros president