D-backs President Derrick Hall said he had been thinking of reintroducing the bullpen cart for about six yearsD-BACKS
Following the D-backs' move to have a bullpen cart at Chase Field this season, Twins President Dave St. Peter said that his club is "studying bringing similar cars to Target Field," according to Phil Miller of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. St. Peter: “It is something we have discussed and will continue to review. The ballpark will require some modifications in order to allow easier cart ingress/egress.” The Twins "used an actual automobile to transport pitchers from the bullpen" to the front of the dugout when they played at the old Metropolitan Stadium. It is "not known what type of vehicle the Twins are considering," but teams over the years have used modified golf carts to "look like baseballs wearing giant caps" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/7). In Tampa, Marc Topkin notes the Rays "won't be joining" the ranks of clubs with a bullpen cart. However, the move its not for "lack of nostalgia or interest." There are problems with the "logistics of having the bullpens along the sidelines" at Tropicana Field instead of "beyond the outfield fences" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/7).
NOTHING PLANNED YET: Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy said the team is "open-minded" to having bullpen carts, but does not "anticipate us doing it" this season. Kennedy: "We have the right to do it, and we’ve talked with other clubs. But we’d want to talk with our players to see if they’re comfortable with it. We’d want to hear from the fans, from the media" (BOSTON HERALD, 3/7). In San Diego, Kevin Acee notes Padres officials indicated that adding a bullpen cart is a "fun idea," but "nothing is imminent." The Padres would need to have a vehicle "manufactured and build a space to house it in center field near the bullpen at Petco Park" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 3/7).
TICKET TO RIDE: D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall said that he had been "toying with the idea of reintroducing the bullpen cart for about six years." He added that gaining the approval of MLB "wasn’t an issue." THE ATHLETIC's Zach Buchanan noted Hall did acknowledge that a big question will be "how many players actually use it." In a straw poll of D-backs relievers, only Andrew Chafin "offered what could be described as unbridled enthusiasm for the cart’s introduction." If a reliever "wants to jog in, the cart will still motor down the warning track to drop the pitcher’s jacket in the dugout" (THEATHLETIC.com, 3/6). D-backs P Archie Bradley said, "I don't know how it will be getting driven in, but I think it's a cool idea and we'll have some fun with it" (AP, 3/6). But the L.A. Times' Bill Plaschke called bullpen carts a "terrible idea" and predicted players would not use it. Plaschke: "For players now, it’s a thing to stalk in out of the bullpen. You get yourself loose, you get your head right. Players are used to that. They won’t ride it. It’s silly” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 3/6).
WHY SO SERIOUS? In Boston, Steve Buckley writes bringing back the carts is an example of MLB "poking fun at itself, and that's a good thing." The modern game "too often is too uptight, and that needs to stop." Buckley: "Bring on the bullpen carts. But don’t think for a second this is part of a plan to 'speed up the game.'” That thought is "nonsense." This is "using an oldtimey contraption as a means to a modern-day revenue stream is what it is, and frankly, it’s not a bad idea" (BOSTON HERALD, 3/7). ESPN's Scott Van Pelt said the return of bullpen carts "makes me irrationally happy” because it is “so simple, so cartoonish and so great.” The D-backs expect other teams to follow suit, and Van Pelt said, “I bet they do. You know why? People like them, they like nostalgia. … Who doesn't smile seeing those old carts?" He noted the carts also present "another sponsorship opportunity" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 3/6). MLB Network's Fran Charles said the move is trying to "bring back a bit of fun" ("MLB Tonight," MLB Net, 3/6). It is "hard to tell" whether adding bullpen carts will "save any time." However, it is "certain to be a hit with fans, especially the kids the game is trying to attract" (AP, 3/6).
LET'S GO ALL THE WAY: SNY's Dan Graca said he wants a 50mph "speed limit on the bullpen cart." Graca: "I want it pedal to the metal, these guys burning rubber out to the mound.” SNY's Jon Hein said the cart can be a “great promotion” where a fan can drive it for a game. Hein: “You tell me people wouldn’t show up in droves for the chance at driving the bullpen cart?” (“Loud Mouths,” SNY, 3/6). ESPN's Mike Golic said, "Just have fun with that golf cart. ... Take the governor off and Tokyo drift it right to the mound.” ESPN's Trey Wingo: “Think of the marketing capabilities” ("Golic & Wingo," ESPN Radio, 3/7).
