Fantasy Baseball Offseason Guide

Ballpark Overview

January 12, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae

Arizona Diamondbacks

Chase Field

Dimensions: Left: 330 feet; Left-center: 374 feet; Center: 407 feet; Right-center: 374 feet; Right: 334 feet

Runs Scored: 10.3 per game total; 5.0 per game for the Diamondbacks (5th in NL)

Home runs: 2.3 per game total; 1.1 per game for the Diamondbacks (8th in NL)

Home team record: 39-42

Advantage: Hitter

One of the newest stadiums in the league, Chase Field ranks as one of the top hitters' parks in the National League. It was part of the reason why Diamondbacks hitters were able to score 33 more runs (403 at home vs. 370 on the road) and belt 12 more home runs (86 at home vs. 74 on the road) while they played there. The field has a roughly symmetrical shape, although it is slightly deeper in right field, which favors left-handed hitters. The advantage also showed as Diamondbacks pitchers carried a 4.14 ERA away from home, compared with a 4.48 mark while throwing at the Chase. Of course, those pitching numbers could improve this year following the return of starting pitcher Randy Johnson to the desert.

Atlanta Braves

Turner Field

Dimensions: Left: 328 feet; Left-center: 375 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 375 feet; Right: 328 feet

Runs Scored: 9.9 per game total; 5.1 per game for the Braves (4th in NL)

Home runs: 2.4 per game total; 1.2 per game for the Braves (3rd in NL)

Home team record: 40-41

Advantage: Pitcher

Home to one of the top pitching staffs of the 90s (see pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz), Turner Field has also developed a reputation as a pitchers' park. This comes despite the Braves ranking towards the top of the NL in some offensive categories. That speaks more to the quality of the offense, rather than the quality of the pitching. The Braves' pitchers posted a 4.33 ERA at home, whereas on the road it dropped to 4.87. With a rotation that featured only one legitimate No. 1 starter (Smoltz), don't expect the offensive numbers in this park to get any better as the pitching was among the worst it has been in years; it can only get better from here.

Baltimore Orioles

Camden Yards

Dimensions: Left: 333 feet; Left-center: 364 feet; Center: 410 feet; Right-center: 373 feet; Right: 318 feet

Runs Scored: 10.2 per game total; 5.1 per game for the Orioles (9th in AL)

Home runs: 2.5 per game total; 1.2 per game for the Orioles (4th in AL)

Home team record: 40-41

Advantage: Neutral

The Orioles should be thankful they play their home games at Camden Yards, as their pitchers' ERA balloons from 4.73 to 6.01 when they leave Baltimore. The team has the bad luck to be in a division with two of the top three offenses in the league (and another that features All-Stars Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz). The team does have a solid group of young pitching (pitchers Daniel Cabrera, Adam Loewen and Hayden Penn could all be solid middle-of-the-rotation starters), and they have upgraded their bullpen this offseason. The shallow right-field porch is a big help to left-handed hitters.

Boston Red Sox

Fenway Park

Dimensions: Left: 304 feet; Left-center: 379 feet; Center: 420 feet; Right-center: 380 feet; Right: 302 feet

Runs Scored: 10.3 per game total; 5.3 per game for the Red Sox (6th in AL)

Home runs: 1.9 per game total; 1.0 per game for the Red Sox (9th in AL)

Home team record: 48-33

Advantage: Hitter

Historic Fenway Park ranks as one of better hitters' parks in the AL. The field is shallow down both lines, although the left-field wall (The Green Monster) makes it tough for right-handed hitters to knock one out of the park. The Green Monster measures 37 feet high, compared to a right-field wall that is only 3-to-5 feet high. With a starting rotation in 2007 that could be comprised of all right-handers, opposing right-handed hitters could struggle as they face a poor match-up, and a daunting wall. This park also hampers the team home run totals, as on the road their runs scored output decreases from 425 to 395, but their home run totals increase from 83 to 109.

Chicago Cubs

Wrigley Field

Dimensions: Left: 355 feet; Left-center: 368 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 368 feet; Right: 353 feet

Runs Scored: 9.9 per game total; 4.6 per game for the Cubs (12th in NL)

Home runs: 2.5 per game total; 1.0 per game for the Cubs (11th in NL)

Home team record: 36-45

Advantage: Hitter

One of the most historic ballparks, Wrigley Field is the second oldest in MLB (behind only Fenway Park). Don't be fooled by the lack of offense in the park last year, as the Cubs ranked among the worst in the league in most offensive categories. That should increase this year, as they should return first baseman Derrek Lee for a full season, as well as have outfielder Alfonso Soriano in the mix. That alone should increase the team's offensive output. Incoming starting pitcher Ted Lilly could also increase his stats from last year as he will be pitching in the weaker NL, and he has had success pitching in hitters' parks before (he had a 4.23 home ERA last season with the Blue Jays).

Chicago White Sox

U.S. Cellular Field

Dimensions: Left: 330 feet; Left-center: 377 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 372 feet; Right: 335 feet

Runs Scored: 10.5 per game total; 5.7 per game for the White Sox (1st in AL)

Home runs: 3.1 per game total; 1.7 per game for the White Sox (1st in AL)

Home team record: 49-32

Advantage: Hitter

The top home offense in the league last season, the White Sox' hitters make good use of U.S. Cellular Field. Away from home, their numbers dropped off to 407 runs scored and 100 home runs. Those numbers impacted their record, as they were a pedestrian 41-40 away from home. Surprisingly, their home ERA (4.43) was better than their road ERA (4.82), which speaks more to the quality of the pitching staff than U.S. Cellular being a hitters' park.

Cincinnati Reds

Great American Ball Park

Dimensions: Left: 328 feet; Left-center: 379 feet; Center: 404 feet; Right-center: 370 feet; Right: 325 feet

Runs Scored: 10.2 per game total; 5.0 per game for the Reds (6th in NL)

Home runs: 3.0 per game total; 1.5 per game for the Reds (1st in NL)

Home team record: 42-39

Advantage: Hitter

The Great American Ball Park ranks along with Coors Field as one of the top hitters' parks in the league. The Reds' offense dropped off significantly when they were away from home, going from 401 runs scored to 348 and 124 home runs to 93. Because of that, the Reds' hitters have increased value, while the Reds' pitchers value takes a hit (pardon the pun). In fact, their ERA dropped from 4.74 to 4.27 when they left home last season.

Cleveland Indians

Jacobs Field

Dimensions: Left: 325 feet; Left-center: 370 feet; Center: 405 feet; Right-center: 375 feet; Right: 325 feet

Runs Scored: 9.9 per game total; 5.4 per game for the Indians (4th in AL)

Home runs: 2.1 per game total; 1.2 per game for the Indians (6th in AL)

Home team record: 44-37

Advantage: Pitcher

The Indians overcame their slow start and ended the 2006 season ranked as one of the top five offenses in the league. The Indians' offense at home outscored their opponents by a 435-368 margin last season, while on the road they only finished 21 runs ahead of their opponents. The club's ERA was hurt by a weak bullpen last season, something they have shored up this offseason with the signing of relief pitchers Keith Foulke, Joe Borowski, Aaron Fultz and Roberto Hernandez. They should also be stabilized from a full season by starting pitcher Jeremy Sowers.

Colorado Rockies

Coors Field

Dimensions: Left: 347 feet; Left-center: 390 feet; Center: 415 feet; Right-center: 375 feet; Right: 350 feet

Runs Scored: 10.7 per game total; 5.6 per game for the Rockies (1st in NL)

Home runs: 2.1 per game total; 0.9 per game for the Rockies (13th in NL)

Home team record: 44-37

Advantage: Hitter

Coors Field has always been a pitcher's worst nightmare, and last season was often no different for visiting pitchers, although there was the smallest difference in the team's home and road ERA in a long time. At home, Rockies pitchers compiled a 4.72 ERA, while on the road that dropped to 4.59. As expected, the Rockies scored 456 runs at home compared to only 357 on the road. The humidor got a lot of press last year, but it has actually been in use at Coors Field since 2002. However, the Rockies' pitching staff elevated their own level of performance at home last year and some degree of that should be attributed to their pitchers' abilities and not just to a mechanical device. Of course, they won't have starter Jason Jennings on hand this year, as he's moved over to the Houston Astros, but starter Jeff Francis has shown no fear at Coors.

Detroit Tigers

Comerica Park

Dimensions: Left: 346 feet; Left-center: 402 feet; Center: 422 feet; Right-center: 379 feet; Right: 330 feet

Runs Scored: 9.1 per game total; 4.8 per game for the Tigers (10th in AL)

Home runs: 2.0 per game total; 1.0 per game for the Tigers (10th in AL)

Home team record: 46-35

Advantage: Pitcher

The free-swinging Tigers were a much better team away from Comerica Park, at least offensively. At home, they outscored their opponents 392-349, while they were even at 81 home runs. On the road, however, those numbers jumped to 430 runs scored and 122 home runs. Because of that, be wary of any Tigers hitters. They also showed in the World Series they could be a streaky team as Cardinals pitchers shut down their bats.

Florida Marlins

Dolphin Stadium

Dimensions: Left: 330 feet; Left-center: 385 feet; Center: 434 feet; Right-center: 385 feet; Right: 345 feet

Runs Scored: 8.9 per game total; 4.4 per game for the Marlins (15th in NL)

Home runs: 2.0 per game total; 1.0 per game for the Marlins (10th in NL)

Home team record: 42-39

Advantage: Pitcher

The Marlins' offense shuts down at home, scoring only 353 runs when playing at Dolphin Stadium, compared to 405 runs on the road. However, this seems to be mainly due to the ballpark, as opponents' runs scored jumped from 371 to 401 on the road. They have young pitching, so expect those numbers, especially the home numbers, to even out as they get more experience.

Houston Astros

Minute Maid Park

Dimensions: Left: 315 feet; Left-center: 362 feet; Center: 435 feet; Right-center: 373 feet; Right: 326 feet

Runs Scored: 9.1 per game total; 4.6 per game for the Astros (14th in NL)

Home runs: 2.4 per game total; 1.2 per game for the Astros (4th in NL)

Home team record: 44-37

Advantage: Hitter

The Astros' offense was among the league's worst last season, but it will get a boost by the offseason signings of outfielder Carlos Lee and "super utility" infielder Mark Loretta. Lee will give them more cover for first baseman Lance Berkman. However, they lost starting pitcher Andy Pettitte (Yankees), and could lose Roger Clemens. The good news is they added starter Jason Jennings. The team had a surprisingly low ERA of 4.03 at home, which was good for pitching in a hitters' park.

Kansas City Royals

Kauffman Stadium

Dimensions: Left: 330 feet; Left-center: 385 feet; Center: 410 feet; Right-center: 385 feet; Right: 330 feet

Runs Scored: 11.4 per game total; 5.2 per game for the Royals (7th in AL)

Home runs: 2.1 per game total; 0.8 per game for the Royals (14th in AL)

Home team record: 34-47

Advantage: Hitter

The Royals' pitching was atrocious last season, sporting a 5.65 ERA at home and a 5.66 ERA on the road. That means the team, despite scoring 424 runs at home, was still outscored by 77 runs. On the road it was worse, as they scored only 333 runs, while allowing 472. The hitters' advantage they have at home benefits their own team, but any pitchers they have lose value because of it.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Angel Stadium

Dimensions: Left: 330 feet; Left-center: 387 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 370 feet; Right: 330 feet

Runs Scored: 8.7 per game total; 4.5 per game for the Angels (13th in AL)

Home runs: 1.7 per game total; 0.9 per game for the Angels (12th in AL)

Home team record: 45-36

Advantage: Pitcher

With no big offseason splash like they were promised, outside of the signings of outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. and infielder Shea Hillenbrand, the Angels' pitching staff will be forced to carry the load for a team that ranked near the bottom in runs scored and home runs last season. Playing their games at Angel Stadium hurts their offensive players' value, as they scored only 366 runs compared to 400 on the road. It does help their pitchers, however, as their ERA was a minuscule 3.76 at home, compared to 4.33 on the road.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodger Stadium

Dimensions: Left: 330 feet; Left-center: 375 feet; Center: 395 feet; Right-center: 375 feet; Right: 330 feet

Runs Scored: 9.9 per game total; 5.4 per game for the Dodgers (3rd in NL)

Home runs: 2.0 per game total; 1.1 per game for the Dodgers (7th in NL)

Home team record: 49-32

Advantage: Hitter

The Dodgers' offense was greatly helped by Dodger Stadium, as they generated 438 runs and 88 home runs while playing at home compared to only 382 and 65 on the road. Surprisingly, their pitching staff wasn't affected by this as they posted a 4.11 ERA at home versus a 4.35 ERA on the road. Both the offense and pitching staff could take a hit this offseason, as they lost outfielder J.D. Drew (apparently headed to the Red Sox after agreeing to a five-year deal, but concerns over his shoulder have delayed finalization) and starting pitcher Greg Maddux to the Padres. Expect to see the pitching numbers inverted this season, while the offensive numbers will likely stay as is.

Milwaukee Brewers

Miller Park

Dimensions: Left: 344 feet; Left-center: 370 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 374 feet; Right: 345 feet

Runs Scored: 9.7 per game total; 4.8 per game for the Brewers (9th in NL)

Home runs: 2.2 per game total; 1.2 per game for the Brewers (5th in NL)

Home team record: 48-33

Advantage: Neutral

The Brewers scored 385 runs at home, while their opponents scored 398. They also hit 96 home runs compared to their opponents' 83. Those were fairly even numbers. However, on the road it was a different story. They scored only 345 runs and hit 84 home runs, while allowing 435 runs and 94 home runs. Because the numbers are all fairly close (aside from the opponents' 435 runs scored), hitters have only a slight advantage playing at Miller Park.

Minnesota Twins

Metrodome

Dimensions: Left: 343 feet; Left-center: 385 feet; Center: 408 feet; Right-center: 367 feet; Right: 327 feet

Runs Scored: 9.0 per game total; 5.2 per game for the Twins (8th in AL)

Home runs: 1.8 per game total; 0.9 per game for the Twins (13th in AL)

Home team record: 54-27

Advantage: Pitcher

Looking at opponents who come into the Metrodome, they scored 376 runs and had 103 home runs when playing the Twins away from Minnesota, while they scored just 307 runs and had 79 home runs when in Minnesota. Even with teams having to face Cy Young-winner Johan Santana and Rookie of the Year candidate Francisco Liriano (at least for half of the season), opposing hitters also were hurt by playing in a pitchers' park. This also hurts Twins hitters and lowers their fantasy value, although first baseman Justin Morneau and catcher Joe Mauer remain rising talents who will likely produce no matter where they are playing at. Both players had good numbers across the board last year, but Mauer performed better away from the Metrodome.

New York Mets

Shea Stadium

Dimensions: Left: 338 feet; Left-center: 378 feet; Center: 410 feet; Right-center: 378 feet; Right: 338 feet

Runs Scored: 9.2 per game total; 4.9 per game for the Mets (8th in NL)

Home runs: 2.2 per game total; 1.2 per game for the Mets (6th in NL)

Home team record: 50-31

Advantage: Pitcher

The Mets' offense jumped from 395 runs scored and 96 home runs at home to 439 runs and 104 home runs when they played away from Shea. Looking at the pitching stats for the Mets, their pitchers' ERA jumped from 3.76 to 4.56 when they played away from Shea. Both of these stats show the advantage pitchers had when the Mets were at home. Thus, the value of Mets hitters is lowered, while their pitchers' value is increased.

New York Yankees

Yankee Stadium

Dimensions: Left: 318 feet; Left-center: 399 feet; Center: 408 feet; Right-center: 385 feet; Right: 314 feet

Runs Scored: 9.9 per game total; 5.6 per game for the Yankees (2nd in AL)

Home runs: 2.4 per game total; 1.4 per game for the Yankees (3rd in AL)

Home team record: 50-31

Advantage: Pitcher

With one of the most potent offenses in the league, the Yankees increased their runs scored totals from 450 to 480 on the road, while they hit 111 home runs at home and plated 99 runs. No matter what park they are playing in, pitchers are rarely favored, but when they play at Yankee Stadium they have at least a small advantage. The Yankees pitching staff's ERA jumped from 3.96 to 4.88 when they played away from Yankee Stadium.

Oakland Athletics

McAfee Coliseum

Dimensions: Left: 330 feet; Left-center: 362 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 362 feet; Right: 330 feet

Runs Scored: 8.9 per game total; 4.6 per game for the Athletics (12th in AL)

Home runs: 1.9 per game total; 1.0 per game for the Athletics (8th in AL)

Home team record: 49-32

Advantage: Pitcher

The Athletics' pitching staff's ERA went from 4.47 to 3.96 when they returned home to McAfee Coliseum. That shows the advantage pitchers had when they were in Oakland. But the Athletics' offense also decreased when they returned home. They scored 399 runs and had 91 home runs on the road, while scoring just 372 runs and hitting only 84 home runs at home. This means any Athletics hitters' value is lowered as they play in a pitchers' park.

Philadelphia Phillies

Citizens Bank Park

Dimensions: Left: 329 feet; Left-center: 374 feet; Center: 401 feet; Right-center: 369 feet; Right: 330 feet

Runs Scored: 10.7 per game total; 5.5 per game for the Phillies (2nd in NL)

Home runs: 2.9 per game total; 1.4 per game for the Phillies (2nd in NL)

Home team record: 41-40

Advantage: Hitter

The Phillies' offense performed equally as well on the road as they did at home last season. On the road, they scored 421 runs and had 104 home runs, while at home they scored 444 runs and had 112 home runs. However, their pitching staff's ERA dropped from 4.69 to 4.52 on the road, showing hitters had a slight advantage at Citizens Bank Park. Interestingly, second baseman Chase Utley and first baseman Ryan Howard, for example, had equivalent home/road splits for homers and RBI, but Utley hit 40 points higher at home while Howard hit nine points better on the road.

Pittsburgh Pirates

PNC Park

Dimensions: Left: 325 feet; Left-center: 389 feet; Center: 399 feet; Right-center: 375 feet; Right: 320 feet

Runs Scored: 9.2 per game total; 4.7 per game for the Pirates (11th in NL)

Home runs: 1.7 per game total; 0.9 per game for the Pirates (15th in NL)

Home team record: 43-38

Advantage: Neutral

The Pirates appear to be the anti-Padres, as their offense performs poorly on the road, but comes alive at home. On the road, they scored just 311 runs and had 71 home runs, while at home they scored 380 and had 70 homers. It becomes more noticeable when you look at their run differentials, which are plus-13 at home and minus-119 on the road. As you can guess, Pirates hitters are not looked upon favorably in fantasy leagues outside of outfielder Jason Bay.

San Diego Padres

PETCO Park

Dimensions: Left: 367 feet; Left-center: 402 feet; Center: 396 feet; Right-center: 402 feet; Right: 382 feet

Runs Scored: 8.0 per game total; 3.9 per game for the Padres (16th in NL)

Home runs: 2.1 per game total; 0.9 per game for the Padres (12th in NL)

Home team record: 43-38

Advantage: Pitcher

The Padres' offense seemed to come alive when they played away from PETCO Park. They scored just 315 runs and hit just 75 home runs at home, while they scored 416 runs away from home and had 86 home runs. Also noticeable is the run differential that jumps from a minus-27 at home to a plus-74 on the road. That swing means it was likely the park causing the Padres offensive problems at home and lessening the value of their hitters.

San Francisco Giants

AT&T Park

Dimensions: Left: 339 feet; Left-center: 364 feet; Center: 399 feet; Right-center: 421 feet; Right: 309 feet

Runs Scored: 9.5 per game total; 4.7 per game for the Giants (10th in NL)

Home runs: 1.6 per game total; 0.8 per game for the Giants (16th in NL)

Home team record: 43-38

Advantage: Neutral

With a short right-field wall, AT&T Park appears to be designed for outfielder Barry Bonds to hit home runs. However, Bonds only played 64 games at home last season, and the team struggled offensively there. They scored only 382 runs, while hitting just 61 home runs last season at home. Opponents however, only had 388 runs scored and 68 home runs, so it was likely the ballpark that had the negative effect on hitters. Because of that, any Giants hitter's fantasy value is lowered, while recently acquired starting pitcher Barry Zito and the rest of the Giants' staff will have their value increased.

Seattle Mariners

Safeco Field

Dimensions: Left: 331 feet; Left-center: 390 feet; Center: 405 feet; Right-center: 387 feet; Right: 327 feet

Runs Scored: 9.0 per game total; 4.4 per game for the Mariners (14th in AL)

Home runs: 2.1 per game total; 1.0 per game for the Mariners (11th in AL)

Home team record: 44-37

Advantage: Pitcher

The Mariners' pitching ERA dropped from 4.96 on the road to 4.26 when playing in Safeco Field. However, this drop-off also occurred in the Mariners' offensive numbers. On the road, they scored 403 runs and had 91 home runs, while at home they scored only 353 runs and had 81 home runs. Because of this, Mariners offensive players' fantasy value is decreased, while pitchers get their value boosted.

St. Louis Cardinals

Busch Stadium

Dimensions: Left: 336 feet; Left-center: 390 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 390 feet; Right: 335 feet

Runs Scored: 9.3 per game total; 5.0 per game for the Cardinals (7th in NL)

Home runs: 2.2 per game total; 1.1 per game for the Cardinals (9th in NL)

Home team record: 49-31

Advantage: Pitcher

The Cardinals' offensive numbers were similar when they played on the road, as to when they were at home. At Busch Stadium, they scored 399 runs against 382 on the road. They also hit 85 home runs compared to 99 on the road. It was their opponents' numbers that trailed off as they scored 414 runs and had 102 home runs away from Busch, while they had only 348 and 91 when playing in St. Louis. As you would expect, the Cardinals' pitching staff jumped from 3.93 to 5.19 when they were on the road.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Tropicana Field

Dimensions: Left: 315 feet; Left-center: 370 feet; Center: 404 feet; Right-center: 370 feet; Right: 322 feet

Runs Scored: 9.7 per game total; 4.6 per game for the Devil Rays (11th in AL)

Home runs: 2.5 per game total; 1.2 per game for the Devil Rays (5th in AL)

Home team record: 41-40

Advantage: Pitcher

Playing at Tropicana Field hid some of the Devil Rays' pitching problems, as their ERA jumped from 4.67 to 5.26 when they left home. This was also a problem for the offense as their run production dropped from 373 runs scored and 100 home runs at home to only 316 runs scored and 90 home runs on the road. The poor numbers on the road, however, were more the product of a young, inexperienced team and the fact they play in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. Neither condition has changed for the 2007 season.

Texas Rangers

Ameriquest Field

Dimensions: Left: 332 feet; Left-center: 390 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 381 feet; Right: 325 feet

Runs Scored: 10.4 per game total; 5.3 per game for the Rangers (5th in AL)

Home runs: 2.2 per game total; 1.2 per game for the Rangers (7th in AL)

Home team record: 39-42

Advantage: Hitter (slight)

The Rangers had a slight advantage hitting at home. However, they were fairly even in terms of their home and road output. At Ameriquest Field, they scored 428 runs and hit 93 home runs. Away from home, they had 407 runs and hit 90 home runs. For pitchers, this discrepancy was just as minute as they posted a 4.51 ERA at home against a 4.68 ERA on the road. Thus, neither hitters nor pitchers have a great advantage from playing at Ameriquest Field, which seems to buck past tendencies.

Toronto Blue Jays

Rogers Centre

Dimensions: Left: 328 feet; Left-center: 375 feet; Center: 400 feet; Right-center: 375 feet; Right: 328 feet

Runs Scored: 10.0 per game total; 5.5 per game for the Blue Jays (3rd in AL)

Home runs: 2.7 per game total; 1.5 per game for the Blue Jays (2nd in AL)

Home team record: 50-31

Advantage: Hitter

With an offensive park, and the team adding designated hitter Frank Thomas to an already potent lineup, expect pitchers to have a rough time at the Rogers Centre (although it should make for some exciting baseball). When playing away from home, the team's offense drops off dramatically. They scored only 360 runs on the road compared to 449 at home, while they hit only 74 road home runs compared to 121 at home. This showed in their dismal 37-44 road record. With lots of protection in the lineup, and a hitter-friendly park, Blue Jays hitters should be looked upon favorably.

Washington Nationals

RFK Stadium

Dimensions: Left: 335 feet; Left-center: 385 feet; Center: 410 feet; Right-center: 385 feet; Right: 335 feet

Runs Scored: 9.7 per game total; 4.6 per game for the Nationals (13th in NL)

Home runs: 2.0 per game total; 0.9 per game for the Nationals (14th in NL)

Home team record: 41-40

Advantage: Pitcher

The Nationals' offense should take another hit with the loss of slugging (and speedy) outfielder Alfonso Soriano. The club did not find anyone close to his stature to replace him and could drop even lower (or further behind) the other NL clubs offensively. Their offense performed equally as bad on the road as they did at home (373 runs scored at home against 373 on the road). However, opponents coming in dropped from 460 runs scored on the road to only 413 at RFK Stadium. This tells us RFK Stadium is indeed a pitcher-friendly park. The Nationals' hitters thus take a hit fantasy-wise from playing there.

Author Bio

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.