Braves’ 2014 Schedule Released
Even as we’re on the home stretch for the 2013 season (with 19 regular season games remaining), the Atlanta Braves have released their schedule for next year. There are no times yet, but there are still a few interesting bits to nibble at. Let’s take a peek:
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The inter-league nonsense continues: on May 26th-29th, the Braves and Red Sox share home field privileges over four consecutive games – two in Atlanta immediately followed by two more in Boston.
4th of July is spent at home (Diamondbacks)
Seven road games end the first half (Mets/Cubs). The All-Star break is 14th-17th, with the game in Minneapolis on the 15th.
Once returning home in September, the Nationals are back, followed by the Mets (for 3) and Pirates (4 times). The schedule ends with Philly on the road for 3 games – finishing up on Sunday, September 28th.
Longest home stands: 11 games/11 days (July 18-28); 10 games/11 days (September 15-25).
Longest road trips: 10 games/11 days (June 19-29); 10 games/11 days (August 18-27).
Most consecutive games: 17 (occurs three times)
On paper, this schedule is a lot harder than 2013’s with the AL West (Oakland/Texas/LA Angels) and Boston all on it. There are three western trips, with the last being the most difficult (LA/San Diego/Seattle). The off-days at the end should help. There should be no repeat of the glacial trip to Denver – the only cold-city possibility (since Miller Park is indoors) would be Washington on April 4-6… and it’s more likely that the cherry blossoms will be blooming at that point.
So overall? Gotta play hard early and hang on late: it gets worse later.
But that’s for next year…