Q: What are the chances of the Yankees landing a top starting pitcher?
— John B. Pierre, Neshanic Station, NY

A: Now that CC Sabathia and Rich Harden have landed elsewhere, I don’t think you’ll see the Yankees making a similar move, such as trade for Roy Oswalt.

But they might do something with the next rung of available starters -- Erik Bedard, A.J. Burnett and Joe Blanton – as long as it doesn’t involve any of their top handful of prospects. They are holding firm to their plan of keeping their top young talent, and that’s a decision I happen to agree with.

You had to know there was going to be a season when the Yankees’ streak of consecutive playoff appearances would end, and this could be it. This week’s three-game sweep of the Rays in Yankee Stadium has tightened things up, but make no mistake, the Rays aren’t likely to fade much; they will have to be caught and passed.

But by hanging onto Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Ian Stewart and others, the Yankees wisely are retooling with their own talent, as everyone knows their veteran nucleus is, on the whole, past its prime.

The simple truth is, they are an old team in decline that needs an infusion of young talent, and I’m with GM Brian Cashman’s plan on this one – even if it means having to endure more bellowing from Hank Steinbrenner.

The Chien-Ming Wang injury was a very unfortunate and costly one, but these things happen, and making a reactionary trade might just compound the franchise’s problems beyond this season.

Q: The Phillies need a top-rated pitcher, but what could they offer to the mix?
— Ray Le Gates, Dublin, Ireland

A. I didn’t realize Phils nation stretches all the way across the Atlantic Ocean, Ray. Yes, Charlie Manuel and Co. are in need of another quality starter, especially with Brett Myers toiling away in a Lehigh Valley IronPigs uniform these days. And while the Phils couldn’t put as much on the table as the Brewers and Cubs did to land CC Sabathia and Rich Harden, I’m sure they have enough to land a starting pitcher from the next group.

On that list, I would include Erik Bedard, Joe Blanton, A.J. Burnett, Bronson Arroyo and possibly a few others who will pop up in the next couple of weeks. I think the Phils could put top right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco in a deal. J.A. Happ, currently taking Myers’ spot in the rotation, also could be included. Myers could go elsewhere, even though he and Phils management have denied a report that he wants to be traded, and Jayson Werth is another possibility.

And I do expect the Phils to make a move soon, as things are very tight in the NL East, and it would be a shame for a talented Phils team not to maximize an opportunity to win a very winnable division.

Q: Are you hearing any rumors about the Red Sox?
— Philip, Chino Hills, Calif.

A: For a couple of reasons, I don’t expect the Red Sox to do anything major before the trade deadline, Philip. First of all, I don’t see any pressing needs other than perhaps in the bullpen. Secondly, I think they have potential solutions within their organization, and will try those first before pursuing deals.

As you know, Justin Masterson was sent back to Triple-A this week with the idea of a quick conversion to the bullpen. That speaks to the need for a more-dependable right-hander in front of Jonathan Papelbon, as Manny Delcarmen hasn’t been as effective as last season, and Mike Timlin is on the disabled list with a 6.75 ERA.

The Sox also expect David Ortiz to come off the disabled list later this month to address some of their offensive needs, as well as deepen the position-player options for Terry Francona. If Hideki Okajima’s struggles continue much longer, the Sox could look to deal for a left-handed setup man such as Colorado closer Brian Fuentes. But for the most part, I think any additions will come from within.

Q: Why does a sacrifice fly lower your on-base percentage, but a sacrifice bunt does not? What is the rationale for that?
— Curt Eckert, Ridgecrest, Calif.

A: It’s the intent behind the at-bat that matters here, Curt. When you attempt a sacrifice bunt, you clearly are giving up your chance of getting a hit (unless you drop down a near-perfect bunt), so you aren’t penalized an at-bat in terms of figuring your on-base percentage.

But when you hit a sacrifice fly, it can’t absolutely be concluded that you were trying to do so. So you’re charged with a plate appearance that works against your on-base percentage.

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