Recently we put field turf in at Goss Stadium here in Corvallis, and the feelings are mixed. From the standpoint of climate, it is a no-brainer in our part of the country. We now have more outside practice time and obviously have a lot less field maintenance on the game days when it does rain.

As the coach who works with pitchers and catchers, I think the new turf is great. The turf plays a little slower initially, ground balls stay in the infield and infielders catch them, so that makes me look like I know what I am doing. On the flip side, a ball that is not hit very hard is scored a hit because infielders have a hard time getting to it in time to throw somebody out.

Personally, I think it is slightly more pitcher-friendly at this time. Over time and weather, the field will speed up and be a wash. It will always be easier to field a ground ball on the turf compared to a dirt field, but you still have to throw it across the infield.

I chose this topic because it is a common conversation around our team and amongst our fans. Some of our hitters think the turf has hurt their batting average, but the numbers at this point in the season do not bear it out. We have some hitters who hit for a higher average on the road, but just as many who hit more at home.

The hitting problem is mental. If a player struggles in one venue more than another, his mind will create a reason for it, regardless of whether the player is a pitcher or hitter.

If you believe the turf is hurting you as a hitter, it probably will. If you start to change things in your swing to make the turf less or more of a factor, then you are really in trouble.

The same thing happens in parks where the wind blows out. Hitters not used to it will change their swing to get balls in the air. Consequently, most will struggle.

Pitchers behave the same way and will make adjustments based on things they cannot control. The game is hard enough just concerning ourselves with what we can control.

Dan Spencer

(photo courtesy of Oregon State Media Relations Office)