The Yankees and Tigers go head-to-head at Yankee Stadium
C.C. Sabathia could have ended up pitching in a Yankee Stadium in the heart of Midtown Manhattan if a 1915 proposal had come to fruition. Reuters

The Yankees and Tigers square off at Yankee Stadium on opening day.

Both teams put their most productive starters from 2010 on the mound. Both C.C. Sabathia and Justin Verlander pitched on opening day last year.

The Yankees' Sabathia and gave up five earned runs and six hits over five and one-third innings against the rival Red Sox at Fenway Park in the first game of the year of 2010.

Verlander didn't fare much better in Kansas City either. He surrendered four earned runs over five innings against the Royals on opening day.

Sabathia and Verlander each finished 2010 amongst the best starting pitchers in the American League. The Yankee left-hander threw more than 237 innings and amassed a 3.18 earned run average. The Tigers' ace threw more than 224 innings with a 3.37 earned run average.

As usual, New York is projected to be among the best teams in the American League, but will be contending with a Red Sox team that many expect to go to the World Series.

The Yankees didn't make any prominent additions to their roster.

The Tigers, however, added 32-year-old catcher Victor Martinez who hit 20 home runs for the Red Sox last season. Detroit is expected to be competitive in a division that will have the White Sox and Twins contending to make the playoffs.

The Yankees finished 2010 with a record of 95 wins and 67 losses. New York lost to the Rangers last season in the American League Championship Series.

The Tigers finished the season with a .500 record of 81 wins and 81 losses. Detroit didn't make the postseason.

Rain is expected in New York on Thursday.

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