In many past seasons, the release of next year’s schedule would be a fun topic for the Cincinnati Reds manager to address.

In those years, when an X had already been placed next to the Reds’ name in the standings, signifying their elimination from playoff contention, looking ahead to next season would have been a pleasant diversion.

In 2012, with the Reds’ magic number dwindling by the day, Dusty Baker couldn’t care less that Major League Baseball released the 2013 schedule Wednesday or that it featured a surprise, an Opening Day in Cincinnati on April 1 against an American League team, the Angels.

“I ain’t worried about next year,” Baker said. “I’m concerned about finishing strong this year.”

In Baker’s mind, the eliminated teams can start thinking of next year.

“There’s nothing more fun this time of year when you’re putting Xes on other people’s names,” Baker said. “A lot of times in the past, there have been Xes on this team already. You know what I’m talking about? That X? It’s a bad feeling.”

Baker had heard enough about the new schedule to know the Reds open at home against the Angels. That’s a first. There has never been an interleague game on opening day.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/sports/baseball/reds-to-open-2013-season-against-angels/nR9F3/