MLB Network has announced an ambitious Opening Month schedule carrying all 30 MLB clubs throughout the month of April. This is why you like MLB Network, it can pick up any game it wants as long as it doesn’t interfere with MLB’s other TV partners, ESPN, Fox and TBS. Perhaps down the road, MLB Network could be the official cable partner of MLB because of its ability to run games in this manner. I love it.
Here’s the release with the schedule.
MLB NETWORK ANNOUNCES FIRST LIVE GAME SCHEDULE FOR 2010 MLB REGULAR SEASON30 Games, 30 Clubs, 30 Days Schedule in April to Celebrate the Opening of the SeasonFirst Game to Feature New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox on April 6 with MLB Network’s Bob Costas and John SmoltzSecaucus, N.J. – MLB Network today announced its live game schedule for the first month of the 2010 MLB regular season. To celebrate the opening of the season, MLB Network will air 30 Games, 30 Clubs, 30 Days, a package of 30 games featuring all 30 Clubs in the month of April, continuing on the theme of MLB Network’s Spring Training series 30 Clubs in 30 Days. The schedule begins with the 2009 World Champion New York Yankees against AL East rival Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, April 6 with MLB Network’s Bob Costas and John Smoltz calling the game at 7:00 p.m. ET. This will mark the first time Smoltz, MLB Network’s newest analyst, calls a game for MLB Network. Immediately after, MLB Network will carry the Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET, rounding out a doubleheader that includes all four 2009 American League Division Series teams.The April schedule includes the 2010 premiere of Thursday Night Baseball and Saturday Night Baseball as well as the debut of MLB Matinee, a new series of weekday afternoon games, that will continue to air on MLB Network throughout the regular season. MLB Matinee starts with the Colorado Rockies at the Milwaukee Brewers at 1:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 7. Thursday Night Baseball, MLB Network’s signature primetime game package, returns on April 8 with the Chicago Cubs at Atlanta Braves at 7:00 p.m. ET and Saturday Night Baseball begins with the Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on April 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET. A preview of the season can be viewed here. MLB Tonight, MLB Network’s live studio show during the regular season, will air every weeknight with live look-ins of games in progress, updates, highlights, reporting and analysis.“This game schedule is one step toward our goal of adding more coverage of every MLB club in our second year on the air,” said Tony Petitti, president and CEO of MLB Network. “The number of games in April is a great opportunity to bring fans more games to celebrate the start of the season.”Highlights from the April game schedule include a 2009 ALCS rematch between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (April 13 & 15), the second game at the new Target Field as the Minnesota Twins host the Boston Red Sox (April 14) and the Tampa Bay Rays at division rivals Boston Red Sox (April 19) in Boston’s traditional Patriot’s Day game.The Yankees at Red Sox game on April 6 and Thursday Night Baseball games will be produced by MLB Network and feature MLB Network on-air talent calling the games. All other games, including Saturday Night Baseball, will be carriage of local telecasts, including local announcers.MLB Network will announce future MLB Matinee, Thursday Night Baseball and Saturday Night Baseball games coinciding with its selection windows. Games will be blacked out in each team’s home television territory. Viewers in areas subject to blackouts will be provided with an alternate game telecast or other programming. MLB Network’s 30 Games, 30 Clubs, 30 Days schedule appears below.MLB NETWORK’S 30 GAMES, 30 CLUBS, 30 DAYS – APRIL 2010* Indicates games produced by MLB NetworkAll times ET and subject to change, check MLBNetwork.com for updatesUnless otherwise announced, games will be blacked out in each club’s home television territoryApril 6, 7:00 p.m.*, Yankees @ Red SoxApril 6, 10:00 p.m., Twins @ AngelsApril 7, 1:00 p.m., Rockies @ BrewersApril 8, 12:30 p.m., Dodgers @ PiratesApril 8, 3:30 p.m., Mariners @ AthleticsApril 8, 7:00 p.m.*, Thursday Night Baseball: Cubs @ BravesApril 9, 4:30 p.m., Braves at GiantsApril 10, 9:00 p.m., Saturday Night Baseball: Athletics @ AngelsApril 12, 7:00 p.m., Reds @ MarlinsApril 13, 1:00 p.m., Angels @ YankeesApril 13, 4:00 p.m., Diamondbacks @ DodgersApril 14, 1:00 p.m., Red Sox @ TwinsApril 15, 3:00 p.m., Nationals @ PhilliesApril 15, 7:00 p.m.*, Thursday Night Baseball: Angels @ YankeesApril 16, 2:15 p.m., Astros @ CubsApril 17, 9:00 p.m., Saturday Night Baseball: Tigers @ MarinersApril 19, 11:00 a.m., Rays @ Red SoxApril 20, 7:00 p.m., Phillies @ BravesApril 21, 12:30 p.m., Royals @ Blue JaysApril 22, 1:00 p.m., Indians @ TwinsApril 22, 7:00 p.m.*, Thursday Night Baseball: Dodgers @ RedsApril 23, 8:00 p.m., Tigers @ RangersApril 24, 9:00 p.m., Saturday Night Baseball: Cardinals @ GiantsApril 27, 7:00 p.m.*, Dodgers @ MetsApril 28, 12:00 p.m., Padres @ MarlinsApril 28, 3:30 p.m., Phillies @ GiantsApril 29, 2:00 p.m., White Sox @ RangersApril 29, 7:00 p.m.*, Thursday Night Baseball: Yankees @ OriolesApril 30, 2:15 p.m.Diamondbacks @ CubsApril 30, 7:00 p.m., Twins @ Indians
I hope MLB Network can also do this in September during the Pennant Races.
