The Astros have "started initial discussions on potential center field renovations" at Minute Maid Park that would take place during the '15-16 offseason, according to Evan Drellich of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Tal’s Hill is an incline in center field that can "wreak havoc on outfielders." No earth will be moved, but it is "possible this season could be the last for the unique center field design the Astros have at their home ballpark." The club hired Cincinnati-based architectural firm MSA Architects for the project. Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan said, “It won’t be this year. It would be after next year,” Ryan added, “People talk about Tal’s Hill. ‘Is Tal’s Hill going away?’ We’re going to look at designs of, ‘What would that look like if we took it away?’” Drellich noted Ryan this season traveled around to different MLB ballparks to "gather ideas for how to improve Minute Maid." There has been "talk for some time of creating a dedicated area" for an Astros HOF. The "goal is to create a gathering spot that is not ticketed" similar to other ballparks that have roof decks and restaurants. MSA Architects "has a sport division that designed" Great American Ball Park (CHRON.com, 10/27).
DOMINO EFFECT: Ryan said that the Astros "typically have a draft of the budget for the upcoming year by November and finalize it in December." Drellich noted CSN Houston’s bankruptcy proceedings and the value of the Astros’ TV rights "are impactful" on the budget and "still unknown." Ryan: “Of course, the CSN deal is going to have a big impact on what do we do and what does that look like" (CHRON.com, 10/27).
