Atlanta Braves players have become so unhappy with the conditions at Turner Field that they are considering contacting the players’ union to see if they can get the club to make improvements, a source within the organization told ESPN’s Doug Padilla Thursday.
The source speculated that with the Braves leaving Turner Field for a new stadium after this season, the playing surface is not being treated with the same meticulous care as in the past and that the problem areas are the uneven grass and the unpredictable area where the turf meets the infield dirt.
There have been 18 errors made in seven games played at Turner Field this season, which is far too many to be a coincidence.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have made four errors in the first two games played at Turner Field this season, agree that it’s been difficult.
“This is a tough infield,” manager Dave Roberts said. “You look at Dodger Stadium vs. this field, and this field, the guys talk about it around the league that it is not the best infield as far as playing.”
“The field has changed a little bit over the years,” second baseman Chase Utley said. “There are some tricky hops out there, but overall I thought we played good defense.”
The Braves are leaving Turner field after this season for SunTrust Park, but they still have a whole season to play in their current ballpark. If the playing surface at Turner Field is really to blame for some of the fielding errors made this season, then something has to be done to improve the conditions for the sake of the team’s season.
One thing’s for sure, though. That grounds crew must be feeling the heat.
