Citi Field's dimensions are a dramatic shift from those of the Mets' former home, Shea Stadium. While there are a few spots in the park that are going to be better for hitters than in their former confines, most of the fences have been moved back in a way that is going to significantly decrease home runs for the Mets and their opponents. Unlike the new Yankee Stadium, Citi Field is meant to be more of an old-school stadium in its presentation, so besides the change in distances from home plate, the heights of the fences have also been altered.
Money Matters
From a raging debate over stadium naming rights to Ponzi schemes, money was on the mind of the Mets all winter long. And while they spent more money in the winter free-agent market than all but four other teams, and opened the season with the game's second-highest payroll, their refusals to upgrade their rotation or corner outfielders suggest the scandal may have caused them to skimp regarding the on-field product.