The Final 9

The 2009 Major League Baseball season: A late start and the probability of November baseball; two grand openings in New York, one grand re-opening in Kansas City and one farewell season in Minnesota; the Rays and Red Sox picking up where they left off as an Opening Day matchup; sellouts and ballpark dogs galore; the first All-Star Game for St. Louis in 44 years; and a master schedule that is now available for your perusal earlier than ever.

MLB has just released the tentative 2009 regular-season schedule, for those already looking ahead -- and those engrossed in the 2008 finish but wanting to be ahead of the game for another blockbuster year. Individual clubs are handling season-ticket opportunities in their own ways, with some now accepting deposits.

The next-year schedule traditionally was released in bits and pieces, a club schedule here and a club schedule there. Then in January, the master schedule typically was released. Times have changed in Major League Baseball, though. Baseball is headed for yet another overall season attendance record, and fans schedule their desired ballpark dates earlier than ever due to so many large crowds, competitive balance and collective zeal.

The annual Sunday night opener will be announced later pending a matchup for the ESPN audience, but everything else is pretty much set. The Monday openers will be on April 6, highlighted by the traditional opener that day in Cincinnati vs. the Mets, and that will be one week later than usual. Because the season starts a week into April, there exists the possibility for a World Series Game 7 on Nov. 5, 2009 -- if the postseason schedule follows the 2007-08 procedures.

MLB reveals 2009 schedule....