Giants Reveal Plans to Remove Infamous On-Field Bullpens

The San Francisco Giants are primed to make major changes to the look of the team come 2020. On the field, a 77-85 2019 record needs a makeover, and they're hoping their recent hiring of manager Gabe Kapler will ignite a change of scenery in the Bay. Kapler brings along eight new coaches to man his regime, and all indications point to an entirely new look for the squad heading into 2020, which includes the new acquisitions of infielder Zack Cozart and hurler Kevin Gausman.

That's exactly what the team is trying to accomplish with the visuals of Oracle Park as well. They just announced major changes to the outfield and bullpen in anticipation for the upcoming year.

They've moved their bullpens from foul territory to behind the outfield wall below left-center field, allowing fans to get a closer view of the action. Around 650 bleacher seats were removed from the area to accommodate.

The team cited player safety to justify the move; the bullpens were previously in a direct line view of the actual field, rendering players virtually powerless with no barriers to defend themselves from a screaming foul ball. Several players have also succumbed to concussions near the old bullpens, including outfielder Mac Williamson, who publicly criticized their placement after crashing into the fence in pursuit of a foul ball.

The Giants are also shortening the dimensions of the park's outfield walls as well. Triples Alley in right center will be decreased from 421 to 415 feet, center field will now be 391 feet, down from 399, and left-center is being diminished to 399 (previously 404). The team will utilize extra protective netting in efforts to emphasize fan safety moving forward as well.

These changes don't necessarily make Oracle a hitter-friendly destination, but if the Giants can blast a few more homers in the league's lowest-rated power ballpark, it will be a win-win all around.