If Opening Day was any indication, Black Monster and Co. are going to have a major impact on this home season of baseball. The Monster kept one drive from the Braves' Javy Lopez in the park, turning what would have been a home run into a double. The soft outfield grass and high walls keep the ball in play and the baserunners on the move.
Bad hops are part of the game.
The grounds crew had worked through the night after the Reds and Braves had worked out on the field Sunday afternoon. Head groundskeeper Doug Gallant got his only sleep at the park, from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. The crew poured on the water and kept re-dragging the dirt to soften it. The dirt's what they need to work on. They'll get it right.