Pirates' 2014 schedule features lots of NL Central competition early

The Pirates' 2014 schedule is out. Here are the highlights:

-P- The Bucs open their season March 31 at home against the Cubs.

-P- Their entire April consists of games against NL Central teams, with the exception of an interleague series in Baltimore that begins April 29.

-P- The Bucs will host the Blue Jays for a three-game set beginning May 2.

-P- In mid-May, they'll play three at Yankee Stadium, then host the Orioles for two games.

-P- They'll play three in Tampa Bay in late June.

-P- They play four straight games against the Tigers, two at home and two on the road, in mid-August.

-P- They'll host the Red Sox for three games in mid-September.