By GEORGE A. KING III

To the surprise of nobody, Joe Girardi told CC Sabathia he will start April 6 on Opening Day in Baltimore. Sabathia also will start the opener of the new Yankee Stadium on April 16.

Joba Chamberlain won’t debut until the sixth game of the season in Kansas City.

“It’s all anyone is talking about in the sports world,” Sabathia said of the new Stadium’s official debut. “To be the guy to take the ball will be fun.”

From the moment the Yankees dumped $161 million on Sabathia, he was the heavy favorite to start each opener, and when the schedule was dark on April 7 the move was a no-brainer.

“It’s a special moment, I am glad to be part of it,” Sabathia said.