The Chicago Cubs' full schedule for the 2013 season was released by Major League Baseball on Wednesday, giving fans a chance to look forward to next year before this frustrating season has even ended. It may be a while before the Cubs are legitimate contenders, but you have to imagine that they will show improvement under Theo Epstein.

Next year, the Cubs open in Pittsburgh on April 1 with a three-game series against the Pirates. Wrigley Field doesn't host the Cubs' home opener until April 8, when the Milwaukee Brewers come to town. The season ends with a three-game series from Sept. 27-29 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cubs only play the cross-town Chicago White Sox for four games in 2013 as a result of MLB's decision to implement interleague play throughout the season. Other notable interleague series include the Cubs' first-ever visit to Oakland and a match-up against the Houston Astros of the AL West.

For more in-depth coverage, check out Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, head over to Baseball Nation.