Mariners hope moved-in fences could aid offense

The fences are being moved in at Safeco Field for next season. From a practical standpoint, it should aid the Seattle Mariners offense, which could use the help.

The Mariners have finished last in the American League in scoring in each of the last three seasons. They cracked 600 runs for the first time in three years in 2012, but their total of 619 was 48 fewer than that any other team in the AL.

While Safeco Field will remain a pitcher-friendly park, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik says the shortening of the field will give his hitters as much of a mental boost as a physical one.

"The marine air is very cool in the spring, and sometimes it's that way into June, and the ball just does not carry well because of it," Zduriencik says. "Guys will hit the ball well in Arizona and come out of spring training feeling really good. Then they come home and the ball doesn't carry, and I think that affects them. When you hit a ball pretty good and it gets run down in front of the warning track, it can be discouraging.

"I realize the park is going to play smaller for both teams. We're going to hit more home runs, and we're going to give up more home runs. From a mental standpoint, though, I think we're going to benefit from it."

Fences from the left-field line to right-center field will be moved in up to 17 feet closer next season. To further help the offense, the Mariners have pursued a number of big-name free agent outfielders, including Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher.

Hamilton agreed to terms with the rival Los Angeles Angels last week. Free agent catcher-first baseman Mike Napoli was intrigued enough to visit Seattle. However, he signed with the Boston Red Sox for three years and $39 million.

Zduriencik says he is finding free agent hitters are more open-minded about the Mariners because of the changes being made at Safeco Field.

"It's come up in more than one conversation with agents," Zduriencik says. "It has gotten people's attention. Before, some agents would be hesitant to even talk to us about their free agents because of the park."

One free agent who signed with the Mariners was outfielder Jason Bay, who hit a combined .234 with 26 home runs in three miserable seasons with the New York Mets after signing a four-year, $66 million contract as a free agent. (The sides agreed to terminate the contract a year early.)

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Mariners hope moved-in fences could aid offense