Kicking off 2010 right: Sox host Yankees to start next season

The 2010 baseball schedule was released today and the Red Sox have a pretty interesting schedule to start the season: Yankees at Fenway Park, April 5, 7 and 8:

The Sox last began the year against the Yankees in 2005, when they played at Yankee Stadium and then less than a week later played the Yankees in their home opener. The Sox have not hosted the Yankees on Opening Day since 1985. They last opened consecutive years at Fenway in 1994 and 1995.

Other quick points that stand out:

-The Sox will see the Minnesota Twins' new, outdoor stadium for the first time April 12 in the first game ever played there. Bring your parka.

-The Sox will begin interleague play at the Philadelphia Phillies on May 21. In June, the Sox will face the National League West. They will travel to Colorado and San Francisco while getting the Dodgers and Diamondbacks at home.

-After a four-game home series after the All-Star break, the Red Sox will embark on their 10-day AL West trip in late July.

-The Red Sox will close the season playing six of their final 10 games against the Yankees. They'll play three at Yankee Stadium, travel to Chicago for four games, and then conclude the season with a three-game series against the Yankees at Fenway Park.

So basically, if the Yankees and Red Sox are fighting for the playoffs, the year will start and end at the right place.

Here's the full schedule.