Diamondbacks 2014 Schedule released

The D-backs' 17th season will open, as has previously been announced, against the Dodgers in Sydney, Australia for a two-game series on March 22 and March 23. That will mark the earliest start to a season in franchise season, and of course be the first time it's overseas. I'm wondering how they're going to handle season ticket holders? Those are technically "home" games for Arizona, but I'd be a bit peeved if I was forced to buy them as part of a package. Having to spring for the pre-season "warmups" was bad enough.

Our "true" home opener at Chase Field will take place on March 31 with a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants. Interleague play will consist of four home matchups against the Indians, Tigers, Astros and Royals and the D-backs will hit the road for games in Cleveland, Chicago (White Sox), Houston and Minnesota, playing a total of 20 games against the American League. At which my first thought was, "Yes! We get the Astros!" and it certainly feels like a less daunting schedule than we endured this season.

The D-backs have 28 of the final 34 games against National League West opponents, but will close the 2014 regular season at Chase Field for the 11th time in franchise history with a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.