EXCLUSIVE: Citi Field Scouting Report
If you haven’t been to Citi Field by now, chances are you’ve seen the video tours on TV, or read a review in the paper.
But what they won’t tell you in those Citi Field previews is what the Mets and the rest of Major League Baseball are dying to find out: WHAT KIND OF A BALL PARK IS CITI FIELD??
Is it a pitchers park? Or how about a home run launching pad?
Well, the video below has the answer to that question….and the info is coming from the only guys who’ve EVER played at the Mets’ new digs, St. John’s and Georgetown.
The Red Storm and Hoyas christened Citi Field Sunday with a Big East conference matchup. Unfortunately for Johnnie’s fans, the home team lost 6-4.
But despite the setback for the home team, we used the opportunity to ask the game’s top performers for their scouting report of Citi Field.
In the video below you’ll hear from:
-St. John’s Manager Ed Blankmeyer
-St. John’s 2B Gino Matias
-St. John’s CF Brian Kemp (1st batter EVER at Citi Field)
-Georgetown 3B Sean Lamont (1st Home Run EVER at Citi Field)
-Georgetown Winning Pitcher Tim Adleman (8 Innings Pitched vs. St. John’s)
Check it out.
Sounds like the verdict is in: expect Citi Field to be a pitcher's haven. Shea Stadium also had a reputation as a pitcher's park, but that old cookie-cutter field didn't have 20-foot walls ringing the outfield like Citi does.
Good news for Johan and K-Rod.
Less exciting news for David Wright and Carlos Beltran.
But in the end - hitters park, pitchers park - whichever it turns out to be, the concensus among fans who have suffered through consecutive September collapses was the same: "Here's to a fresh start in Citi Field."
Matt Estreich for The Huddle
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Comments: 1
It appears that Citi Field will play much like Shea Stadium, with one big exception. Shea Stadium was open in the outfield. Citi Field has a big scoreboard and seats in the outfield.
There may be wind tunnels formed in the few areas that are open.
As St. John's Manager Ed Blankmeyer indicated, it appears you must go down the lines for the long ball, but the chilly conditions make it difficult to evaluate on a misty day in March.
Second Baseman, Bronx own Gino Matias, does indicate it is the best groomed field he has ever played on.
Center Fielder Brian Kemp who got the honor of being the first hitter, seemed to just be so thrilled to have played the inaugural game at Citi Field.
Just a very exciting day for the kids from Queens. The New York mets demonstrated great community relations allowing St. John's to play this special game at Citi Field.
At first glance, it appears that Citi Field will play fair. It should be a pitcher's park, but until we get a full season played in all weather conditions, we will not be able to make a definitve judgement.
Next game will be our New York Metropolitans against the Boston Red Sox on Friday April 3, 2009. First time the local National League team will take the field at their new home.
Lets Go Mets in 2009!!!!
and
Lets Go Citi Field!!!!