Fences moved in at Citi Field because 'we do want to entertain people,' Sandy Alderson says
A view of Citi Field during the Mets-Phillies game on May 28, 2012. Credit: AP
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson digs the long ball, and he thinks fans at Citi Field will, too. It's one of the reasons that the club has brought in the fences in right-centerfield.
"We do want to entertain people," Alderson said. "And at some point, 2-1 loses it's cachet, panache, whatever the right word is. I think we're in the entertainment business."
Though he didn't provide exact dimensions, Alderson said the new fence is roughly 10 feet closer to home plate, eliminating what used to be a deep gap in right-center. He said changes will make Citi Field play more like old Shea Stadium.
According to the team's research, Alderson said the Mets would have finished with 17 more homers under the new dimensions with opponents estimated to have hit 10 more.
Plan for Harvey
Matt Harvey, his agent Scott Boras and Alderson intend to formulate a plan for the pitcher's workload next season.
It's a question that could impact the Mets if they're in playoff contention. With Harvey coming off Tommy John surgery, his innings might be limited in the homestretch. Said Alderson: "This is going to be a joint effort with Matt, with his agent, to make sure we're all on the same page."
Boras said Harvey should be in "ready position" by Opening Day.
Coaching opening
The Mets interviewed former Yankees director of player development Pat Roessler for a vacant position on the coaching staff. Alderson hopes to make a hire next week, though Roessler might be the only external candidate to be considered.
The Mets have an assistant hitting coach job open and Roessler worked with new hitting coach Kevin Long in the Yankees organization. But Alderson said the position may carry additional duties depending on the hire.
Watered-down payroll
Boras took a swipe at the Mets'lack of spending in light of growing revenues around the game. Alderson remained vague about the team's payroll, which likely won't top $100 million. "Our payroll is like a bathtub of water," he said. "It can go up. We can pull the plug. It can go down." . . . Pitching through a hernia paid off for closer Jenrry Mejia, who racked up enough service time to qualify for salary arbitration this winter.
