Comments on: Meet the new Park Factors — Part III

By: John Cappello

John Cappello — Fri, 21 May 2010 12:30:53 +0000

Hugh, great observation…and an interesting issue. From what I’ve read, RWDI did do the wind studies for Miller Park, and I would bet a buck or two that the team has a grasp on how those variables you mentioned control the park’s air flow. Outside of inclement weather, I don’t know how or why they would manipulate these variables throughout the course of a game, if that’s what they really do–it most certainly will bias the conditions on the field. There should be some ground rule that disallows such manipulations from the first pitch on unless weather (and umpires) dictate so. But as advanced as this topic is, I’d be surprised if this issue is barely on anyone’s radar to monitor this.

By: Hugh Mechesney

Hugh Mechesney — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:25:38 +0000

Great analysis! I am wondering about the retractable domed stadiums, Miller Park in particular. The roof may be open or closed and the outfield panels may be fully closed, fully open, or partially closed. All of these change conditions of play in complex ways depending on temperature, wind direction, and wind speed. The Brewers freely manipulate the roof and panels, even during games. The park is known to favor hitters, yet that varies greatly. Have the Brewers studied these factors to the degree that they have been able to manipulate conditions to favor the home team with the timing of such in-game shifts? Their dismal home record this season would belie such speculations. Yet, one wonders.

By: John Cappello

John Cappello — Sun, 16 May 2010 15:02:58 +0000

Ari, Jason Bay would be a great demonstration, wouldn’t he. What’s going on with him this year? A little David Wright-itis perhaps?
Thanks for the words.

By: Ari Berkowitz

Ari Berkowitz — Sun, 16 May 2010 13:42:50 +0000

Great series of articles John. Highly appreciated, I now have a much better grasp on what advancements should take place in the world of baseball statistics (mostly leaning towards the physics side). I’m also a Met fan and your “guesstimates” seem very close to what actually is going on. There is no doubt in my mind that Citi Field is the biggest pitchers’ park in the MLB (for HR’s) and is one of the highest in padding a hitter’s 3B’s. It would help to be able to analyze all fly ball and line drive data meaning we’d be able to take Jason Bay’s flyball and line drive tendencies and place them right into Citi Field a la hit tracker.