When the A's eventually build their new ballpark, it appears all of the "vast foul territory that is a hallmark" of Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum "will be left in the past," according to Joe Stiglich of NBCSPORTSBAYAREA.com. A's Exec VP/Baseball Operations Billy Beane said that he "anticipates the foul ground to be reduced considerably once the A’s start designing the playing surface." Beane: "Most people would say that you’re trying to create intimacy, so minimizing foul territory is probably the direction most teams and stadiums have gone and are gonna continue to go. You want to create an experience for fans that’s as close to the field (as possible)." But before any of this "becomes a factor, the A’s first need to announce their location in Oakland to build." Team President Dave Kaval said that will "happen before this calendar year ends." Beane said that in-depth conversations about the playing field itself "have yet to take place, such as the outfield dimensions, location of the bullpens, etc." But Beane "talks as if a much smaller foul territory is a given, and that would mark a significant change for the A’s when they play at home." Creating a "cozier atmosphere, with fans sitting closer to the action, is a key element for the A’s wherever they build" (NBCSPORTSBAYAREA.com, 8/23).
