White Sox announce tentative 2009 schedule
Can't get enough of this year's exciting Minnesota-White Sox battle for the American League Central crown, even with three games to be played next week at the Metrodome that could decide the division winner?
Well, fans in Chicago won't have to wait long to see a rematch of this rivalry in 2009.
Next year's schedule was released on Wednesday afternoon, and the White Sox and Twins will meet at U.S. Cellular Field in the second series of the season from April 10-12. This three-game set against Ron Gardenhire's crew completes a six-game homestand to open the 2009 campaign, Midwest weather in April permitting, with the Royals serving as the White Sox first opponent.
Chicago hosts Kansas City on Monday, April 6, in the season opener, followed by an off-day on April 7, and then two more games on Wednesday and Thursday.
Detroit serves as the opening road venue for the White Sox, with a three-game series beginning on Monday, April 13. This first extended excursion outside of Chicago takes the White Sox to Motown and then for four games at Tampa Bay and three more at Baltimore. If things go as planned for both the Rays and the White Sox over the final 10 days of the 2008 season, they could meet up in the first round of the playoffs as division champs.
Facing the Cubs always stands out as a top draw on the White Sox schedule, but it could have even more meaning in 2009 if they reach their ultimate present postseason target. In a surprising quirk, the crosstown rivals will meet in the middle of the week instead of a weekend, from Tuesday, June 16 to Thursday, June 18, at Wrigley Field. The two teams, who are dead even in the all-time series at 33 wins apiece, and each pulled off a home three-game sweep in 2008, face off again from June 26-28 at U.S. Cellular Field.
Other Interleague opponents for the White Sox include the Pirates (May 22-24) and Dodgers (June 23-25) at home, and the Brewers (June 12-14) and Reds (June 19-21) on the road.
As for traveling to Minnesota. ... The White Sox won't make that particular trip until July 10, which is the final series before the 2009 All-Star Game to be played in St. Louis. They open with six games at U.S. Cellular Field against the Rays and Orioles out of the All-Star break.
Other contests of note for the White Sox include a 10-game road trip from Aug. 24 to Sept. 2, with four games against the Red Sox and three against the Twins, sandwiched around the White Sox lone trip to the Yankees' new stadium.
Boston comes to Chicago for four in what shapes up to be a fairly tough September run, with this series going from Sept. 4-7. Three days later, the White Sox embark on a seven-day, six-game West Coast road trip to visit the Angels and Mariners. The White Sox finish on the road, with three in Cleveland and three in Detroit.