White Sox announce 2009 spring training schedule

The White Sox begin their 2009 Cactus League schedule on Feb. 25 against the Los Angeles Angels, and the defending American League Central champions open their new spring training ballpark in Glendale, Ariz. on March 1 vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The White Sox, who will share their new state-of-the-art facility with the Dodgers following 11 seasons in Tucson, currently are scheduled to play 33 Spring Training games in 2009, including 15 at home and 18 on the road. Two of the Sox first three contests take place in Tucson, but 29 of their final 30 games will be played in the Phoenix area.

The White Sox' spring slate features four off days and a home game vs. Australia (March 6) as preparation for the World Baseball Classic, but the schedule does not include any split-squad games.

The Sox play three games against the crosstown-rival Cubs - Saturday, Feb. 28 and Friday, March 27 in Mesa, as well as Saturday, March 21 in Glendale. They conclude Cactus League play against the Milwaukee Brewers in Maryvale on April 2 and open the 2009 regular season vs. the Kansas City Royals on April 6 at U.S. Cellular Field (1:05 p.m.).

All White Sox home games in Glendale are scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. Arizona time.

A spring training broadcast schedule and an on-sale date for White Sox Cactus League games in Glendale will be announced at a later date.

Game dates, opponents and game times all are subject to change.