(My Sportsbook) - Prized free agent CC Sabathia returns to the American League this afternoon, when the new-look New York Yankees open the 2009 campaign against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.

After their string of 13 straight postseason appearances came to a halt last year, the Yankees went on a spending spree this offseason, bringing in Sabathia (7 years, $161 million) and A.J. Burnett (5 years, $82.5 million) to shore up a rotation which was 59-53 with a 4.58 earned run average a year ago -- 19th best in the league.

Sabathia, who will be making his sixth Opening Day start, won the 2007 American League Cy Young Award after going 19-7 for Cleveland that year, but stumbled out of the gates in '08, losing his first three and five of his first six decisions.

After posting a 5-8 mark with a 4.26 earned run average in 18 starts for the underachieving Indians, the Tribe dealt Sabathia to the Brewers in early July for a handful of prospects.

The 28-year-old Sabathia flourished in the National League, going 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts while leading the Brewers to the postseason for the first time since 1982. His seven complete games and three shutouts also led the Senior Circuit, despite him pitching just over a half-season there.

As if those two signings were not enough, the Yankees seemingly came out of nowhere to land first baseman Mark Teixeira with an eight-year, $180 million contract.

Teixeira, a Maryland native who was also being courted by the Orioles, became even more important to the Yanks this spring, when it was revealed that third baseman Alex Rodriguez would need surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip.

Rodriguez, though, opted for a less invasive procedure and will miss at least the first month of the season rather than half the campaign.

Baltimore, meanwhile, endured its 11th straight losing season in 2008, going 68-93. The Orioles had been 60-62 in mid-August but completely fell apart down the stretch, finishing a miserable 8-31.

The horrific finish planted the O's in the cellar of the talent-laden American League East for the first time since 1991.

While the future may be bright in Baltimore with youngsters like Matt Wieters, Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman and Troy Patton almost ready to join the big league club, the team is predicted to endure its 12th straight season under .500.

Not helping the Orioles' cause any is the fact that they not only have to compete with the Boston Red Sox and Yankees in the AL East, but the perennial doormat Tampa Bay Rays have evolved into a powerhouse.

After striking out with Teixeira, the O's did secure Japanese hurler Koji Uehara, who is slated to pitch on Wednesday.

Heading to the hill for Baltimore today will be right-hander Jeremy Guthrie, who becomes just one of four starters in the last 20 years to draw consecutive Opening Day assignments for the Orioles. Rick Sutcliffe, Rodrigo Lopez and recently-retired Mike Mussina were the others.

Guthrie was 10-12 with a 3.63 ERA a year ago. He is 2-2 lifetime against the Yankees with a 4.38 ERA in seven games (6 starts).

The Yankees were 11-7 against the O's in 2008, including a 5-4 mark in Baltimore.