The Yankees' high-priced duo had about as poor a debut as one could have.

It was one game, of course, which in New York means they'll get at least a few more before anyone starts really screaming. The Yankees fell to the Orioles, 10-5.

Sabathia had one of the worst games he's had, allowing six runs in just 4 1/3 innings while giving up eight hits and walking five. Teixeira endured the boos in the city where he played high school ball -- and where he spurned an offer from the Orioles before signing with the Yankees -- then went 0-for-4, including failing to come through with runners on the corners and two outs with the tying run on third late in the game.

Already the most rabid -- and unrealistic -- of Yankees fans were spitting through their message board screens, asking how Alex Rodriguez grabbed hold of Teixeira's uniform and impersonated him. The obvious jab at A-Rod's failure to succeed in some big spots was as premature as it was a symbol of the fans' frustrations with recent stars who have signed for big money but have yet to lead the Yankees to a World Series title.

The more rational members of the fan base will surely offer at least some patience for a pair of stars who are in their primes and did a good job of fitting into the clubhouse all spring.

But spring training is done, and it will soon be time for the newcomers to start producing.

ORIOLES 10, YANKEES 5: CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira struggled in their Yankees debuts, and the bullpen didn't fare well either as the club dropped its season opener. Sabathia yielded six runs in 4 1/3 innings while failing to strike out a batter for the first time since 2005. Teixeira -- a Maryland native -- was booed through an 0-for-4 day in which he stranded five. The Yankees rallied within one after trailing 6-1, but relievers Phil Coke and Brian Bruney gave up a pair of runs apiece.