Netting at Tropicana Field will be installed on top of the dugouts to create a 29-foot high barrierGETTY IMAGES
The D-backs and Rays yesterday announced plans to "extend the protective netting behind the dugouts in their ballparks in time for opening day," meaning all 30 MLB teams "have decided to exceed the recommendations for enhanced safety issued by Commissioner Rob Manfred" in December '15, according to Wallace Matthews of the N.Y. TIMES. The announcement "came a day before Manfred was expected to issue a mandate" at the quarterly owners' meetings in L.A. that all teams must "extend their netting to at least the far end of the dugouts by the beginning of the coming season" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/1). NBC Sports Bay Area's Ray Ratto said of MLB franchises extending their netting," It's a solution that basically has been staring basbeall in the face forever. ... The fact that there hasn't been a cry for this before is to somebody's shame" ("The Happy Hour," NBC Sports Bay Area, 1/31).
SAFETY FIRST: In Tampa, Marc Topkin notes netting at Tropicana Field will be "installed on top of the dugouts to create a 29-foot high barrier." That is the "same height as the current backstop net," which will be replaced. The previous netting "went only to the home plate end of the dugouts." The new nets will be "attached to the field-side of the dugout roofs and will be fixed, meaning they can't be raised or lowered before or after the games." Similar changes "will be made" at the Rays' Spring Training complex in Port Charlotte, Fla. As part of the process, the Rays will "contact season-ticket holders in the now-protected seating areas, invite them to the Trop to see the new setup and, if they don't like it, work with them to find a new spot" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/1). In Seattle, Ryan Divish notes the Mariners' plan is for netting to "extend to the outside ends of each dugout and reach a height of 11 feet above the playing surface." It will "cover from section 122 to 138." The team consulted with MLB and architecture firm HOK on the "design and implementation of the project." The installation is "set to start in March and be ready for Opening Night" on March 29 against the Indians. This is the "second time the netting has been expanded" at Safeco Field (SEATTLE TIMES, 2/1).
