Much has been said about David Wright's home run total in 2009.
Mets fans everywhere are wondering if Wright will have a bounce-back season in 2010 power-wise, getting his total back up to the thirties that we're used to.
Well, the Mets are trying to help (or so they think).
In what seems to be an attempt to make Citi Field more hitter-friendly, the front office has decided to lower the center field wall from 16 feet to eight.
Personally, I don't think the height of the center field wall had anything to do with Wright's lowered home run total last season. I think his swing had become bigger, and in turn slower, which would help explain his high strikeout totals as well as his lack of home runs.
Looking at Wright's spray chart for 2009, there were only two balls hit out to the part of the field affected by the change.
I don't think anyone would say two more home runs by Wright last season would have been a make or break change for the Mets.
I've always been a big fan of Citi Field's dimensions, and I think a winning baseball team can easily be fielded to give a huge home field advantage. The Wilpons have said they want to build a baseball team based on pitching, defense, and speed. I challenge any Mets fan to name a player the Mets have acquired this offseason that will help the team in those three areas.
I have low expectations for 2010, but I wouldn't be disgruntled if I didn't. I do, however, think there is a lot of room for me to be wrong, and pleasantly surprised by the Mets. Unfortunately, too many things need to go right for the team to be successful, including bounce-back performances from every starting pitcher not named Johan Santana.
Here's to the Mets proving me wrong!
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