Fowler undaunted by challenges of Tal's Hill

HOUSTON -- After playing center field for several years in the spacious outfield of Denver's Coors Field, Astros newcomer Dexter Fowler shrugged off the challenges that could come with playing Tal's Hill in center at Minute Maid Park.

"I guess if it gets hit up there, I'll go up there," Fowler said. "I won't go up there just for nothing."

Fowler says he usually plays shallow, so don't expect there to be many opportunities for Fowler to run up the incline. The hill comes into play maybe only a couple of times a month, and some memorable catches -- including one by Lance Berkman -- have been made there.

"Like anything, there's a warning track, and you get a little bit of warning and you embrace that," Fowler said.

The Astros have toyed with the idea of removing Tal's Hill for the last few years, but it's back for its 15th season. Fortunately, no players have been injured running up the hill.

"The good thing is he's played in the [National League] his entire career and he's played here several times, so it's not like this is the first time he's come in here to the ballpark," manager Bo Porter said. "I don't think he's going to have trouble out there."