With new dimensions, Citi playing better for hitters

NEW YORK -- With one full season of Citi Field's new dimensions just about in the books, the consensus is in: it's still a pitcher's park, but a far fairer one.

Heading into Thursday's final home game, an unofficial MLB.com study revealed that the Mets hit 20 so-called "new Citi" homers this year, compared to 23 for their opponents. That falls in line with the organization's preseason projections of about 50 new home runs per season.

"I just think it made a difference," manager Terry Collins said. "Certainly we've seen the effects. I think it's a fair park now. It's still a pitcher's park for me. It's still a big park. There's a lot of room in that outfield. But I think the change in the dimensions certainly lifted the confidence of a lot of guys in our lineup."

The player most penalized by Citi's new projections has been R.A. Dickey, who gave up four "new Citi" homers worth a total of seven runs -- mostly a product of his team-leading innings total. David Wright benefited the most, hitting four extra homers for six RBIs.

The Mets altered Citi Field's dimensions over the winter by constructing new, shorter walls in left, right-center and right field, lopping off swaths of outfield grass in all three areas.

"It's a little more fair than it was the first few years," Wright said. "Again, you're asking a hitter if they like a more hitter-friendly park. Of course."