ESPN: Big Ballparks, Big Problems

[Ramp]

Negotiating would be called parley?

yes.

lou and I have had countless discussions about how the marketing should really be in Pittsburgh with the Pirates

countless.

[HUGG]

Change their name to the Steelers, hand out yellow towels and sign Roethlisberger?

[Ramp]

Not sure how that plays on the Pirate theme, but it's a start

I like your tenacity, kid. Call me.

[Fritz]

Pirates are pretty infamous for raping and pillaging. Roofieburger obviously hits on at least one of those things.

[emkayseven]

i mean they were originally called the pirates because they stole other teams' players

so if they signed big ben it would actually keep with the pirates theme

[Ramp]

I like where all of this is heading.

I think they need relievers to walk the plank when the enter a game. They need more players with piratey names like Nick Swashbuckling Swisher and more players named Jack. Clint Hurdle needs a parrot on his shoulder.

[HUGG]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcDmMOK_Ht0[/ame]

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[BigGameFish]

I think decreasing dimensions is inevitable, especially considering the generally better numbers being put up by pitchers as the steriod era dwindles down.

I'd like to see LF come in (20-30 feet maybe), they can easily move in the Clevelander by re-doing the concrete slope by the fence, and extending those green chairs out further. Right center should remain, it was never easy to hit one there at Dolphins either. Other than this, the entire CF should probably come in about 15-20 feet starting with the fence in front of wack-a-mole and ending in front of the greenery over the CF wall. Also remember that this fence is about 20 feet tall (!).

I've wondered whether it's more than just the fences holding HRs in. As the article mentioned, SD faces issues with the ocean air coming in. I'd propose that our issue COULD BE less natural, more artificial - the air conditioning, to be precise. Have you SEEN the size of that system?! It's ENORMOUS. I can't help but think that the circulation of air within the park slows down any high pop balls. That's why some hitters are saying that you can't hit long fly balls out of Marlins park, but rather they must be line drives.

The entire fence should move in by an average of 20-30 feet. I do believe that keeping fans in the game until the end is important. Not only for return numbers, but also for keeping things exciting for the fans and players alike.

[Bobbob1313]

With everything closed, there have now been 14 home runs in 9 games. Also six triples and 21 doubles.

I think it's going to continue to be a non-issue when everything is closed. It will suppress home runs, but not to some crazy level where Giancarlo is going to try to punch Ryan Webb.

[Omar]

I can't recall the first triple, but even Bonifacio wouldn't have legged out a triple in the ninth in JRS. Just play the park and go about your business.

[Swifty]

I can't recall the first triple, but even Bonifacio wouldn't have legged out a triple in the ninth in JRS. Just play the park and go about your business.

I'm not sure the point you're trying to make here, but a standup triple without an outfielder making any manner of misplay/misread doesn't exactly help the "park's fine, not too big at all" argument.

[Bobbob1313]

His point is that there are advantages to it as well

[Swifty]

Oh, well in that case I think there are advantages (and disadvantages) to every ballpark configuration. I don't think anyone would dispute that.

I think the argument (or question, perhaps would be more accurate) is that a park that plays neutral is more beneficial to a team rather than a ballpark that swings to either extreme.

I think most observers will say that Marlins park plays big. I think most impartial observers will tell you that's probably more of a problem than a blessing when you look, historically, at the team success enjoyed in extreme pitchers parks.

Personally, and I've said this before, I find it deliciously hypocritical that we have an organizational philosophy against players taking part in the Derby because of what it could do to their swing but we've built a park where you basically have to be a dead pull hitter to get it out (unless it's an absolute missile).

[Bobbob1313]

I don't think there is much, if any data, to back up the assertion that extreme parks one way or the other are more or less conducive to winning. I'd be interested in seeing it, if you know of any.

[Ramp]

something smells delicious in here