Gearing Up for the 2013 Season
By Jeff Schafer
With every passing day, spring training is that much closer to getting here. Braves pitching camp has already began and a few others have joined to get a head start on spring training including Jason Heyward and Jordan Schafer. As the rest of January flies by, here are a few significant dates to look forward to.
Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves fans watch the game from the hill in left field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
January 22 – February 2
Atlanta Braves Caravan rolls through five states (Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee)
February 4-20
Salary arbitration hearings held (if necessary)
February 11
Voluntary Spring Training report date for pitchers, catchers and injured players
February 12
Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers reports
February 15
Atlanta Braves full squad reports
February 20
Mandatory date that all non-World Baseball Classic players must report
February 22
First Grapefruit and Cactus League games
February 22
Detroit Tigers at Atlanta Braves, 1:05pm ET, ESPN Wild World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
March 2
World Baseball Classic first round games begin
March 8-12
World Baseball Classic second round games in Tokyo, Japan
March 12-16
World Baseball Classic second round games in Miami, Florida
March 17-19
World Baseball Classic Championship round in San Francisco, California
March 30
Final Grapefruit and Cactus League games
March 31
Opening Night: Texas Rangers at Houston Astros, 8pm ET, ESPN
March 31
Active rosters have to be trimmed to 25
April 1
Opening Night for Atlanta: Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves, 7:10pm ET, ESPN