An intriguing option might be Greg Maddux, whom the San Diego Padres, who also aren’t going anywhere, might want to move. What makes that prospect delicious to stat freaks is the fact that, with 350 victories, Maddux is four behind Roger Clemens, who got his 354th and final victory in a Yankees uniform. Given Clemens’ recent difficulties with steroid and HGH allegations, it would be kind of fitting if Maddux, who has never been accused of being unnaturally muscled, were to go past Clemens in a Yankee uniform.

There are other possibilities, including another Padre pitcher, Randy Wolf, Odalis Perez of the  Washington Nationals, Livan Hernandez of the Minnesota Twins and Miguel Batista of the Mariners.

But Wang is the Yankees’ No. 1 starter, even if Mussina has been their best pitcher. And they need someone to take that slot, preferably someone who is a genuine numero uno, like Sabathia. If New York could pick him up and sign him to an extension, they just might be legitimate contenders, especially if Joba Chamberlain keeps developing as a starter.

For Cleveland, it’s a terrific situation to be in. Besides the Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies have also reportedly been lusting after Sabathia, and now the Indians have six weeks to dangle him in front of two rich, East Coast teams and see which one will cough up more prime prospects. And while they’re waiting, the Indians can keep saying, “We’re not sure we want to get rid of him. We still could contend.”

The question for the Yankees is whether they want to move one of their prime prospects — Philip Hughes or Ian Kennedy or both — and maybe an everyday player to get a pitcher. They came into this year saying they were going to stop trading the future for a present that never seems to work out. Hank Steinbrenner even said the team didn’t necessarily have to win this year.

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures A kayaker flips out, a racehorse eyes the Triple Crown and more. more photos

Of course, being a Steinbrenner, Hank got over that uncharacteristic burst of patience and has decided that the team has to win, and it has to win now. That’s the attitude that built the Yankees, and it’s the attitude that destroyed them. So it’s sort of an all-purpose philosophy.

But Hank is right. This team does have a chance — if it can get another reliable starter. They would have been looking to beef up their staff at the trade deadline, and now Wang’s injury has forced their hand. Sabathia might be available. Let the bidding begin.