Playing host to three rounds of MLB playoffs is an opportunity to show the venue off to TV camerasGETTY IMAGES
The MLB Rangers' new Globe Life Field "has been the talk of the playoffs," which is what Rangers ownership "wanted when it offered up Globe Life Field as a neutral site for MLB's postseason," according to Evan Grant of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Playing host to three rounds of playoffs, including the World Series, is a "three-week opportunity to show the place off to TV cameras." The new ballpark is "nice." Grant: "But it's also big. Mostly, big." That was "backed up by a complete lack of homers" in the Dodgers-Padres NLDS Game 1 and a "game-changing catch in Game 2 that would have been a homer just about anywhere else in the majors." Bigger "doesn't necessarily mean better," at least "not in the minds of potential baseball free agents, particularly hitters." And while players "may rave about the steam rooms, hot and cold tubs and spacious clubhouses, those are merely amenities." Next season is "going to be about growth rather than contending, so the Rangers can afford to test theories about what is the best fit." Detroit, S.F., San Diego and Seattle "have all changed their park dimensions." The ballpark can be made smaller "easily enough if need be," but "enlarging it again becomes more complicated." Rangers President of Baseball Operations & GM Jon Daniels said, "The park does seem to play big, but we want to live in it a while longer before considering whether it's just right or if changes should be considered" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/9).
