MLB Spring Training 2013 Schedule: Best Matchups for This Weekend

Although some of the preseason baseball attention has shifted to the World Baseball Classic, teams around the major leagues are still focused on spring training. The countdown to Opening Day is now less than one month.

It's starting to reach the point where the starters, at least the ones that aren't away representing their countries, are going to start getting a little more work. Pitchers will start going deeper in games to start preparing for the heavier workloads on the horizon.

It makes the exhibition games more enjoyable. Let's take a look at the best matchups for this weekend, which feature some teams with high expectations. For a complete look at the upcoming spring training schedule, visit MLB's official site.

Saturday: Atlanta Braves vs. New York Yankees

The Braves are entering a new era. The retirement of Chipper Jones ends the connection to the success of the 1990s. The franchise will turn to its revamped star-studded outfield of Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and B.J. Upton to lead the way.

Atlanta should be able to generate plenty of runs, especially if its tandem at third base can build off a strong spring. It's the starting rotation that will need to step up to keep pace with the Washington Nationals in the NL East.

Tim Hudson and Kris Medlen should provide some stability at the top, but there are question marks behind them. The Yankees have similar issues at the back end of their rotation and are hoping Ivan Nova or David Phelps fill the void.

Aside from that, New York's biggest concern is a lack of depth. The Yankees are relying on a lot of veteran players, including a returning Derek Jeter and new addition Kevin Youkilis, and can't afford for them to miss any extended periods of time.

If the veteran group does stay healthy, the Yankees definitely have enough talent to make some serious noise in the American League. The improved AL East doesn't leave them much margin for error, however.

Sunday: Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Speaking of the AL East, here are two teams getting overlooked in the early going. With the Toronto Blue Jays' big moves and the constant media appeal of the Yankees, the Red Sox and Rays are receiving second billing, at least on a national scale.

In Boston, a lot is riding on the offseason acquisitions. Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli and Ryan Dempster are the most notable ones. They were brought in a to fortify a roster that underachieved last season en route to a last-place finish.

Also key is a return to form for Jon Lester. He's flashed ace potential throughout his career, but barely deserved a spot in the rotation last season. They need him to get back on track to help strengthen the pitching staff.

As for the Rays, they never have as much talent on paper as their AL East counterparts. Yet Joe Maddon always finds a way to get the maximum amount of production from the unheralded players on his roster, and it keeps Tampa Bay in the mix.

A full slate of games from star third baseman Evan Longoria, which hasn't happened in the past two seasons, would provide a major boost. David Price and Matt Moore should be a formidable start to the rotation, but they also have questions after that. It's a common theme in the division.