Baltimore Sun: Orioles lost more than they won because of LF wall

[Frobby]

I heard on one of the broadcasts this week that since the wall was moved, there have been 89 balls hit that would have been homers with the old dimensions that aren’t homers now.  So, that’s 57 last year, 32 this year (with 20% of the home games remaining).   That suggests to me that teams are adjusting to the new dimensions.  I wonder what the breakdown is between the Orioles and their opponents.  

This year the O’s are averaging 1.12 HR/G at home, 1.23 on the road.  Last year the numbers were 0.98 and 1.14.  So, the gap between home and road has shrunk a little for our hitters.  Our pitchers have allowed 1.10 at home and 1.12 on the road.  Last year it was 0.91 and 1.20.   So, the gap has shrunk a ton for the pitchers.   Keep in mind that the major league average is 1.20, compared to 1.07 last year.   

It should be noted that the O’s have an extremely right-handed pitching staff, with 83% of the innings (81% at home) thrown by RHP.  Last year we were at 80% thrown by RHP (79% at home).  Those compare with about 73% league wide.  So. It’s pretty easy for opponents to load up on LHB at OPACY and avoid wall issues.  


 

[DrungoHazewood]

I don't care what the numbers say, the Wall is right and just and decent, and every park needs to 400' to a gap and nearly 500' somewhere.

Sometime in my life I want to see a Major League inside-the-park homer that doesn't involve a wacky bounce, someone falling down, or the ball becoming lodged in a passing marsupial's pocket.

[Filmstudy]

On 12/2/2022 at 7:09 AM, Going Underground said:

The wall — which the team built this spring 30 feet farther back than its predecessor — cost the Orioles more home runs than it did their opponents. And without it, the Orioles might have won one more game, according to a Baltimore Sun analysis.

In terms of balls actually hit behind the imaginary past wall, this is likely accurately represented.  To say this is a reflection of the way the wall has impacted the Orioles would be entirely false (which I doubt the article claims).

I was a big proponent of the new dimensions in terms of reducing pitch count and high-stress pitches in particular in the park.  The Orioles have not yet taken advantage of the new dimensions in terms of stockpiling LHP the way some old Yankees teams did, but I think they've adapted better to the need for better OF defense than the opponents in aggregate.

[JimGinSP]

Trey Mancini says hi!  

 

 

[Frobby]

4 minutes ago, JimGinSP said:

Trey Mancini says hi!  

 

 

He’s in the minor leagues with the Reds now.  

[DrungoHazewood]

5 minutes ago, JimGinSP said:

Trey Mancini says hi!  

 

 

If you're talking about my ISTP homer post, one where the OFer loses ball in sun, it richochets off his head, ends up 50 feet away in the RF corner. Exactly what I'm talking about. I want to see someone smoke a ball up the RC gap, it rolls to the 480' sign and the batter just beats the throw home.

Edited August 31, 2023 by DrungoHazewood

[Morgan423]

5 minutes ago, JimGinSP said:

Trey Mancini says hi!  

 

 

Trey doesn't need to hit a ball over any wall.  He can just hit a ball to ricochet off of the opposing outfielder's face.

[JimGinSP]

10 minutes ago, DrungoHazewood said:

If you're talking about my ISTP homer post, one where the OFer loses ball in sun, it richochets off his head, ends up 50 feet away in the RF corner. Exactly what I'm talking about. I want to see someone smoke a ball up the RC gap, it rolls to the 480' sign and the batter just beats the throw home.

No, sorry I was referring to his MASN reactions (NSFW) whenever he thought he lost out on a HR to LF.

[drdelaware]

I love the wall.  Players continuously get bigger, stronger and faster.  I like that the HR's are harder to come by.  Just the fact that Aaron Judge whined about it sold it for me.  

[Moose Milligan]

Aaron Judge bitching about it made it completely worth it. **** that guy and his manager and his team. 
 

I love the strategy. Move the wall back 30 feet and then stock up on great young lefty hitters. Brilliant. 

[NCRaven]

1 minute ago, Moose Milligan said:

Aaron Judge bitching about it made it completely worth it. **** that guy and his manager and his team. 
 

I love the strategy. Move the wall back 30 feet and then stock up on great young lefty hitters. Brilliant. 

Only problem is that you pay 81 games in other stadiums.  A little balance is still a good thing.

[Aristotelian]

You guys aren't seeing the forest for the trees. We were able.to land premium free agent talent like Jordan Lyles and Kyle Gibson

[tntoriole]

On 12/2/2022 at 3:47 PM, Orioles4Life21 said:

Still believe it was an overcorrection, and on top of that it’s just not appeasing to the eye. 

Like that green eyesore  in Boston? .. lol 

[Moose Milligan]

34 minutes ago, NCRaven said:

Only problem is that you pay 81 games in other stadiums.  A little balance is still a good thing.

If they can crank 'em out of Camden Yards to RF, they can do it in other stadiums.  

[rm5678]

3 hours ago, Frobby said:

He’s in the minor leagues with the Reds now.  

The Reds released Mancini yesterday.