Yankees banking on Sabathia

The big lefty will start New York's playoff opener against the Minnesota Twins tonight, with the heavy weight of World Series expectations resting squarely on his thick shoulders. One of baseball's most durable aces, Sabathia has struggled in the postseason, going 2-3 with a 7.92 ERA in five starts with Cleveland and Milwaukee.

"This is what you come here for, to get that opportunity to get to win a championship," Sabathia said yesterday. "We had a great year so far. We just have to keep it going."

Sabathia joined the Yankees as a free agent last December and signed a huge contract to match his 6-7, 290-pound frame. His 7-year deal was part of a $423.5 million spending spree that also brought Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett to New York.

With those dollars come extra-large expectations - and plenty of pressure. Back in the playoffs after a 1-year hiatus, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and the Yankees are favorites to win their 27th World Series title and first since 2000.

Sabathia said he is ready to help.

"I'm definitely excited. But like, I said this earlier, the Opening Day with the new Yankee Stadium and me being the free agent and the games against Boston, there and in here, I think all of those moments have helped me to prepare and led me up to this moment," Sabathia said. "Some of those games we played against Boston are like playoff games. That Opening Day probably felt like [tonight] will. So I've had these experiences over the year, and I think I'm ready for it."

Holding homefield advantage throughout the postseason, the AL East champions had the choice of starting tonight or tomorrow. New York picked to get going right away with a series that has an extra day off between Games 1 and 2.