New Yankee Stadium Has Mile-High Feel

Getting little problems ironed out during the first few games in a new stadium is natural. Getting used to the dimensions, how the ball plays off certain surfaces, and where the ball carries are all things that are figured out after a few games in a new place.

The Yankees are going through that phase right now, coming off their first home series of the year against the Indians. The problem they are having is a little more long-term, a little more concerning for Yankee fans and personnel: The stadium is playing like the new Coors Field. Home runs are flying out of the park much more than they did in the old stadium.

The Yankees hit five home runs on Friday and the Indians followed that with six of their own on Saturday en route to a 22-4 win over the Bronx Bombers. Scouts around the league are taking note and saying that the new stadium plays much differently than the old one.

Balls seem to be traveling very well to right field, manager Joe Girardi said. Although it is early, in a total of five games (including two exhibition games) there have been a total of 25 home runs hit in the new stadium.

The question is whether the Yankees should be concerned with these conditions. Obviously, it will help their hitters, but the pitchers will suffer like those playing in Colorado have demonstrated.

The A’s are coming to town with the lowest home run total of any AL team, having only hit three through the first two weeks of the season. Will that turn around in the so-called new Coors?

We will have to see.

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