There was significant pre-season discussion regarding Chase Field and the potential effects of the humidor. It’s still a bit early, but the results thus far in the small sample size of April and part of May clearly indicate that the humidor has a pronounced effect.
Last year, Chase Field ranked 4th in the majors in home runs, with a rating of 1.222 (1.000 is neutral). Chase Field was 3rd in runs scored (1.202) and 6th in hits (1.088). Thus far, Chase field is now 22nd in home runs (0.863), 20th in runs (0.866) and 23rd in hits (0.930).
To put it in real numbers, Chase Field experienced an average of 2.6 home runs per game in April in 2017. In April of 2018, there were just 1.9 home runs per game at Chase Field.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to these numbers. Opponents, opponent’s pitchers, Diamondback pitchers and weather all can play a part. The one factor that undoubtedly plays a significant role is, however, the humidor.
Colorado installed a humidor in 2002 and the number of home runs hit over the next ten years dropped by almost 25% at Coors field. The April results at Chase Field are certainly in line with the prior results at Coors.
So, how does it work? Hot and dry conditions dry out a baseball. A dry ball is harder to grip and concurrently easier to hit. The Arizona humidor is designed to store baseballs at 70 degrees and 50% humidity. Balls that come from the humidor, as opposed to just the dessert air, are reportedly a bit heavier and softer and as a result, those balls are easier to grip. Moreover, such balls are less elastic and that results in less flight time. Exit velocity on balls at Chase Field are, on average, down over 3 miles per hour from 2017 values.
The early season Chase Field numbers may demonstrate that the humidor may have a profound effect on Diamondback hitters and pitchers going forward. The humidor can neutralize the anticipated dry hot conditions, even in covered Chase Field. As the early season numbers indicate, not only are home runs down, but also hits.
Paul Goldschmidt is hitting .150 at home and .300 on the road, but both of those numbers come from just 60 at bats. Goldschmidt is mired in a 0-21 slump in May, with all of those games being played at Chase Field. He’s too good of a hitter to dismiss with just 60 home at bats.
A.J. Pollock is thriving, hitting .338 at home with a home run every 11.3 at bats. On the road, Pollock is more human, hitting just .268 with a home run every 14 at bats.
Among the Diamondbacks’ hitters with the most at bats, Ketel Marte is hitting .283 on the road and just .145 at home. David Peralta is hitting .340 on the road and just .258 at home.
On the pitching side, the top three Diamondbacks’ pitchers are all excelling at home. Patrick Corbin is allowing hitters a .122 batting average at home, and a .267 batting average on the road. Zack Greinke allows a .191 batting average at Chase Field, and .324 on the road. Zack Godley is giving up just a .234 batting average at home, yet hitters are teeing off on Godley to a tune of .297 on the road.
As a team, hitters are batting .206 against Arizona pitchers at Chase Field, and .237 against Arizona pitchers when the Diamondbacks are on the road. The Diamondbacks are hitting .224 at home and .230 on the road.
In prior years, fantasy owners tended to consider fading pitchers going into Arizona. Times have now changed. Long considered a hitters’ haven, Chase Field is demonstrating itself as a pitchers’ park, in home runs, runs allowed and batting average.
Govern yourself according but remember that this isn’t your father’s Chase Field.
Best of luck,
Follow me @BusterH_Esq,
