New York Mets consider renovation of Citi Field
After a thorough examination and research on the statistics from the last three seasons, the New York Mets have finally concluded that Citi Field needs to be converted into a batter’s ballpark with a shorter outfield.
The management has assessed that the team has failed to perform in home games and major reason for this has been the incompatibility of the ballpark with the team’s strength. Mets have managed to win just 31 out of the 75 games played at Citi Field this
season and this percentage improves drastically when analysing the away fixtures. Playing away, the Mets have prevailed in 42 out of the 80 games played, two games above the .500 percentage.
Mets’ general manager Sandy Alderson clarified that changes will not be delicate in nature and will require a major renovation of the field. A potential change will be eliminating or reducing the 16-foot wall in left-field which has been a major obstacle
for batters to hit home-runs. Alderson further added that the overall dimensions of centre, right and left-field will be significantly abridged to assist the hitters.
In an explanation for the purpose of this overhaul, Alderson said, "To some extent it’s a question of entertainment. The hardcore baseball fan I think enjoys the 2-1, the 3-2 [score]. We’re appealing to a little broader segment, and I think offense is appealing.
Offense sells."
Alderson has been an advocate of smaller ballparks and a worthy case in point was the renovation of PETCO Park to assist batters during his time as San Diego Padres’ President.
The researchers at the Mets have found that the percentage of home-runs to balls put in play is, on average, 2.5 percent. This percentage drops to 1.9 at Citi Field and soars to 3.6 at Yankee Stadium.
Supporting his argument with numbers, Alderson said that the decision has been taken after due consideration of the fact that the Mets will play half of their season at Citi Field and thus, will need a ballpark which suits their style of play. He said that
visiting teams will stay for a maximum of three to four games and thus would not have to alter their strategy whereas the Mets will have to centre their approach in accordance to their home-field.
In the three seasons played at Citi Field, the left-handed batters have managed to smash only eight home-runs in this gargantuan ballpark in totality which has dented attendance as well. In recent times, fans have preferred higher scoring games and bringing
in the fences will, without doubt, add to the turnout at the matches.
Two players who will significantly benefit from this decision are David Wright and Jason Bay. Both players have a craving to hit home-runs and the long fences have denied them an opportunity to showcase their talent at home-field.
A left-fielder by trade, Bay has 203 career home-runs against his name and sports a slugging percentage of .494. Wright, on the other hand, in just 17 shy of 200 career home-runs and at .509, has one of the better slugging percentages in the line-up.
Alderson added that Citi Field is an architectural masterpiece and any changes that will harm its outlook will be avoided.
A more balanced ballpark for the hitters and pitchers will be most advantageous for the Mets. They can address to the attendance issue as well as the team’s strategy for the next season, keeping in view the prospects in the offing.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: