Judging by the title, most readers would assume the Phillies went out and acquired a high-profile player.
Though, that would be satisfying, that is not the case in this situation. This acquisition involves technology, more specifically: the scoreboard.
With their latest investment – a $10 million upgrade – the Phillies will now have the largest high-definition display in the National League. So much for them not having any more money.
The scoreboard will amount to 76 feet high, 97 feet wide and amassing a total of 7,372 square feet. Phillies’ officials are expecting their new investment to be up-and-ready by the team’s On-Deck Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 29-30.
The new board will weigh-in at a whopping 84,420 pounds.
With its upgrade, the new and improved scoreboard will triple the size of the original, which first came in to use seven seasons ago. The old scoreboard will be relocated to the Phillies’ minor league field, Bright House Field, in Clearwater, Florida.
The upgrade couldn’t come at a better time.
With Cliff Lee now wearing pinstripes (not those of the Yankees) and joining a rotation that consists of reigning Cy-Young award winner Roy Halladay, as well as Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels, the new scoreboard should be featuring a vast amount of K’s and hopefully zeroes across the board for opposing teams.
In addition, the Phillies will return their high-powered offense (minus Jayson Werth), which should translate to high scoring games from the home team.
“We’re truly excited to bring the HD experience to our fans,” said Phillies director of broadcasting and video services Mark DiNardo in a statement. “The new technology and dramatically larger image will bring our fans closer to the action than ever. Our unique partnership with Sony and Daktronics gives us the opportunity to transition the in-house broadcast, production and entertainment systems to high-definition in one step.”
(quote gathered from MLB.com)
Would you have rather seen the Phillies spend that money on players or are you happy about them putting the money into the scoreboard?
We could plug children in the outfield and it wouldn’t matter. We have the sickest pitching rotation in the history of the game! All you need is one bat and the game is over.
Could have used a Right-Handed Batter who plays in the Outfield instead..
then maybe plug in Ben Francisco into the Video monitor for effects…