Wind patterns and new stadiums effecting early homerun totals

With all the new baseball stadiums built in recent years fans have grown accustomed to seeing a massive output of homeruns. Down the left and right field lines at 315 and 320 feet players certainly can rack up on long ball totals. Just noticing how the wind effects play on the field, there are more chances for errors yet scoreboard operators have to take these conditions into consideration before making a decision. Chicago is known as the windy city and in yesterday's game between the White Sox and Tigers everything went to the home team's favor. The big band came from Paul Konerko's grand slam in the 5th. A deafening blow to the Tigers. Jim Leyland took a different approach with his team after the loss, scolding them for their lack of performance.

Also there were a few 1-run games such as the Rangers and the Blue Jays. The contest didn't end on a high note in extra innings. A sacrifice fly was hit to put Toronto up 5-4 and go on to get the win. Nearly the same result occurred in the Cubs and the Phillies match-up. Derek Lee made a game saving defensive stop which made a big difference. All through this game the wind was a contributing factor which hurt and helped both teams. The Cubs first baseman sprung for 3 and 2 RBIs as well in route to the 6-5 victory. A error at first allowed Chicago to score the go ahead run in the 10th and notched Kerry Wood first win.

Teams will have to rely heavily on their bullpen because of the field conditions and power surge by opposing hitters. The lopsided scores baffle fans, nobody wants to see errors all the time in a game, but it happens. Further into the season players will be settled in and more comfortable than now. As the weather heats up so will the star players. In April teams are really just starting to work out the kinks. Guys need extra rest sometimes and that's okay. In a few months the baseballs will be soaring out the ballparks. Babe Ruth would want it that way as well the great Red Sox, Yankees rivalry to continue.