I imagine this was announced when the Cubs first announced ballpark renovations, but if I ever heard it I forgot about it. But it’s worth noting that, beginning in the 2017 season, the bullpens at Wrigley Field will no longer be in foul territory next to the stnads. They’ll be under the bleachers. A full report on the change can be read at the Chicago Tribune.
As Paul Sullivan notes, the move is almost certainly aimed at increasing the number of high-revenue seats down close to the field, even if the Cubs are saying it’s a safety matter. Probably doesn’t matter either way, though Joe Maddon and many Cubs pitchers aren’t thrilled with it. Both because of the aesthetics of it all and because of the home field advantage the Cubs get when opposing pitchers are jeered as they warm up.
Chad Kreuter, meanwhile, thinks this is a good 17 years too late.
