|
 Last week, MLB released its preliminary 2012 schedule. Katy Feeney is responsible for piecing the schedule together and sufficed to say she and her staff have one of the hardest jobs in sports. She has to balance local holidays, team travels, political conventions, concerts, national television contracts, competition from other sports leagues, and the team themselves in putting together the schedule. Some teams are happier than others this week with their schedule. Others will have a tougher time selling more tickets with their schedules during the off-season. It’s important to note that the 10 worst road draws in baseball this season were the Rays, Angels, Orioles, Blue Jays, Mariners, Astros, Nationals, Tigers, Rockies, Royals, and D’Backs. This could change for any of these teams with the signing of Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder. Plus, a deep playoff run for the Tigers or D’Backs could help them on the road next year as well. Without further ado here are the 2012 schedule release winners and losers
2012 Schedule Winners
Washington Nationals: Host the New York Yankees and can sell 18 home healthy starts of Stephen Strasburg
Milwaukee Brewers: The team won’t have to play the Tigers or Indians during interleague play
Florida Marlins: Open new stadium on Opening Day (April 4th against the Cardinals) and host the Red Sox in interleague
Kansas City Royals: Host All-Star Game, get Brewers and Cardinals in interleague
Baltimore Orioles: Host Phillies and Nationals in interleague, only 2 Sox/Yankees game before May 20
Chicago Cubs: Worst year since 2002 on field, host Red Sox in marquee interleague matchup
Minnesota Twins: Host Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers
Philadelphia Phillies: Best record in MLB this season get to host Red Sox and play only 6 of 15 interleague vs. Sox, Yankees, and Rays
San Diego Padres: Host Angels first visit ever to Petco Park
San Francisco Giants: Only 6 home interleague home games including 3 versus Rangers
Atlanta Braves: Play 4 of 6 interleague series versus Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays. Possibly bad for standings, good for paid attendance
2012 Schedule Losers
Tampa Bay Rays: Horrible April schedules (16 of first 22 games vs. Red Sox/Tigers/Yankees/Angels/Rangers) and play Rangers or Angels 5 more times than Red Sox
St. Louis Cardinals: Host Indians, White Sox, and Royals in interleague
Pittsburgh Pirates: Play Royals, Twins, and Tigers in interleague at home
Cincinnati Reds: Host Tigers, Indians, and Twins visit for interleague
Arizona Diamondbacks: 6 home interleague games versus the Royals and Athletics
Colorado Rockies: Host Mariners, Angels, and Athletics in interleague
Detroit Tigers: Play Rockies, Pirates, and Cardinals in interleague at home
Cleveland Indians: Host Marlins, Pirates, and Reds in interleague
Looking ahead to 2013 the following interleague matchups have never been played:
- Dodgers @ Yankees
- White Sox @ Mets
- Braves @ Royals
- Rangers @ Cardinals
- Cubs @ Athletics
- Cardinals @ Angels
- Rays @ Dodgers
- Twins @ Braves
- Padres @ Blue Jays
 David Simmons is a graduate of the University of Central Florida who worked in the front office of the Los Angeles Dodgers over 4 seasons and has a decade of ticketing experience.. He serves as CFO for Players For The Planet and currently resides in Baltimore. You can follow David on Twitter @davidesimmons
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter 
 Follow the Business of Sports Network on Facebook
|
David Simmons 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
