Is Yoenis Cespedes still going to be in Boston in 2015? Will Giancarlo Stanton be here? Jon Lester? What do we make of Jackie Bradley, Jr. and Mookie Betts’ 2015 destinations? These are all questions being asked about 2015, and the answers are less than certain and purely speculative.
What is no longer speculative is the schedule for 2015, and the Red Sox will be welcomed as a part of the American League for the 115th consecutive season. So, what are the dates that we all need to know?
April 6, 2015 – Opening Day in Philadelphia
The Phillies are likely to be terrible again, so this may be a chance to get off to a good start. Being so near to Boston is a plus as well if you are away fan type.
Back to Fenway Park. Credit Sitting Still.
April 13, 2015 – Home Opener v. Washington Nationals
I made the [admittedly dumb] crack about the American League earlier because this is the second straight season that the Red Sox are opening Fenway back up to a National League team. Thanks a lot Bud Selig! [BTW – It was Milwaukee in 2014.] The Nationals are a good team. This should be a star studded game that Opening Day deserves.
April 20, 2015 Patriot’s Day v. Baltimore Orioles
Patriot’s Day is a local favorite, which is often typically broadcast nationally. The [likely] reigning division champs will make this special occasion even more exciting.
May 1, 2015 v. New York Yankees
This will be the first visit to Fenway by the 2015 version of the Evil Empire. This game is the curtain raiser for a 3 game weekend set.
May 4, 2015 v. Tampa Bay Rays
You likely hate them more than the Yankees at this point. They are here on the heels of the Yankees for another 3 game series.
May 11-17 v. Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners
The first of the dreaded West Coast swing. Schedule your vacations, daughter’s ballet recital, work trips, etc. accordingly.
June 15-16 v. Atlanta Braves
An inter league home series with the Atlanta Braves. A perfect chance to scout future Boston Red Sox Jason Heyward [insert wishful thinking dreams here]/
July 3-8 v. Houston Astros and Miami Marlins
Just in time for a 5 game winning streak headed toward the All-Star break to set up the second half.
July 17-20 v. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim [is that still their name?]
As if you did not miss baseball enough over the All Star break, the Red Sox start the second half on the West Coast. Boo.
August
Lots of bland American League teams. Weird two game trip to Miami.
September 27 v. Baltimore
Final home game of the season.
October 4 v. Cleveland
Nothing like a trip to Cleveland in October. This is the final regular season game, which means there will be playoff baseball in November. MLB is coming for you NFL. Oh, and now that Derek Jeter will be gone, we will all be searching for our new Mr. November to love beyond the bounds of reason.