new Target Field in Minnesota

[SpecialFNK]

are there any expectations of what type of place this will be, and will it be better for hitters or pitchers?
an outdoor playing field in Minnesota. seems like there is alot of cold weather there in Minnesota early and late, so would that not effect the hitters power?

[WickedSmaat]

are there any expectations of what type of place this will be, and will it be better for hitters or pitchers?
an outdoor playing field in Minnesota. seems like there is alot of cold weather there in Minnesota early and late, so would that not effect the hitters power?

The cold will only be in effect in April. It doesn't really cool around here until mid October.

As far as the field I've heard their expecting it to be neutral, or at least tried to make it a neutral park, but we won't know until they play the season. I don't think anyone expected Yankee stadium to be such a paradise. But who knows from this research - http://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/25/12700 ... field-be-a

[jake_twothousandfive]

Target Field Dimensions                 Metrodome Dimensions
Left Field - 339 feet (103 m)           Left Field - 343 ft (105 m)
Left-Center - 377 feet (115 m)          Left-Center - 385 ft (117 m)
Center Field - 404 feet (123 m)         Center Field - 408 ft (124 m)
Right-Center - 367 feet (112 m)         Right-Center - 367 ft (112 m)
Right Field - 328 feet (100 m)          Right Field - 327 ft (100 m)

[wrveres]

[kab21]

We've talked about this before but it's impossible to know before they start playing games there. the fences are a little closer in LF and LC but there aren't any warning signs like in Houston of it being a bandbox.

Of note is that most of the field is closed off with seating, a scoreboard and I think a parking garage that shouldn't allow the wind to blow out hard like some parks. Like for example I read an article a couple of yrs ago that the wind measurements in Philly's bandbox were taken with the old vet still standing. And thru the first yr the park wasn't a bandbox but when they tore down the old vet it turned into a bandbox although the dimensions didn't change. With that being said RF to RC have a good sized opening that could act as a wind tunnel possibly. And there is also an overhang of seating in RF that sticks out about 8 feet into play that should make for some comical moments and a few cheap HR's.

If I had to guess Target Field will have a small boost in HR's but it shouldn't be a bandbox. i am a little concerned about MN's flyball/contact friendly pitching staff.

[AcidRock23]

Plus Liriano can ice his shoulder, elbow, etc. while he's standing on the mound!! Hee hee...

[moochman]

Curious about how the field will play, too. I notice it looks as if there will be a little less foul territory, always good for hitters. Will the 8' overhang make up for the fly balls lost in the gray ceiling of the dome? I'm glad they moved to an outdoors venue, shame they couldn't all have retractable lids. Could be some slow starts due to frigid temps in April.

[AquaMan2342]

The cold weather in April might make some Twins pitchers (Liriano) a nice sell-high in May/June.