Astros getting rid of Tal's Hill at Minute Maid Park

HOUSTON -- The Astros have announced plans for a proposed renovation of center field at Minute Maid Park that would remove Tal's Hill and shorten the distance in center field from 436 feet to 409 feet.

Houston's center field is currently the deepest in the majors, and the $15 million renovation would make it the sixth-deepest in the league.

Tal's Hill, a tribute to Cincinnati's Crosley Field and other old ballparks, is named after former longtime team executive Tal Smith. Removing it and bringing in the fences in center field allows the Astros tol add three new bars, four food locations and the first field-level seating area at Minute Maid Park.

The renovations will begin at the end of this season and are to be completed by the start of next season.

General manager Jeff Luhnow says, "The new center field will not only be great for fans, but will make Minute Maid Park an attractive ballpark for current and future players as well."