Quote:
Balls carry better in cool/cold air just like airplanes fly better in cold air. The air pressure is denser and gives the ball more lift.


A quick physics lesson:

Colder air fills a smaller volume than warmer air, and therefore it has a higher density. The density is proportional to the amount of wind resistance a ball will encounter during its flight; higher density air = pitcher friendly. Humidity is another influencing factor. Look at two of today's ballparks:

Coors Field is a mile above sea level, and the atmospheric pressure is less than what you and I feel. The air is thinner (less particles per volume) and thus significantly less dense. It is also very dry air. There are two reasons why Coors field is such a hitters park: 1) Pitchers rely on air resistance for their pitches to have movement. At Coors, sinkers don't sink, curveballs don't curve, and sliders don't slide like they do at other parks. 2) Once the ball is hit, it isn't slowed down by the air like it is in other parks.

Petco Park is right off the water in San Diego. The temperature stays within a pretty moderate zone all year long - never extremely high. This climate combined with heavy, humid air right off the water makes for a very friendly pitchers park.

I remember hearing about a rumor when the Astrodome first opened - other teams claimed the Astros ran the air conditioning while they were at bat giving the home team an advantage.

Higher density = pitcher's duel. Lower density = slugfest.

In sum, I don't think Berkman should be used as a DH. I'd much rather see him at 1B. He's even a better defender than his counterpart, Konerko, despite his bum knee. He's done a good job picking balls out of the dirt on throws, and if you have to have a defensive liability, you sure want him to be at first.