Cubs players and staff downplayed the effects of having no bleacher seating available for much of the first half of the season.
“No, we don’t lose any [advantage], but we miss that,” Castro said of the 5,000 outfield fans screaming. “But it’s not going to be like that forever. We’ll have them back soon.”
Opponents already are seeing a road-field advantage to what some see as suddenly friendlier confines.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak sounded genuinely excited that his team catches the Cubs at Wrigley before the bleachers are back in – and filled with heckling fans who occasionally provide beer showers for opponents.
“As Matt Holliday said, it should be a little quieter out there,” Mozeliak said with a smile. “So it’s all good.”
The left- and center field bleachers are expected to be ready on May 11, while the right-field bleachers won’t be finished until mid-June.
