Diamondbacks Decide Against Using Humidor at Chase Field

The number of humidors used for baseball purposes in the National League West remains at one.

The Diamondbacks thought about installing their own version of what the Rockies use to take some life out of baseballs at Coors Field, but Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports that they almost certainly aren't going to do it this season. Team CEO Derrick Hall will continue to research the idea of doing something to tone down one of baseball's most hitter-friendly environments while playing this year under the same conditions.

"The decision hasn't been made, but we have not focused on it this offseason," Hall said. "With time running out, it doesn't make sense to do it this offseason."

A study at the end of last season found that a humidor could result in a reduction of 38 percent in home runs. There were 201 home runs hit at the park in 2010, which would mean somewhere in the neighborhood of 76 homers would disappear. That would make for a radically different world for the Diamondbacks, one in which their amount of strikeouts on offense would be even less acceptable.

We'd like to hear where new Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers came down on this issue. He built some great pitching teams in spacious Petco Park, so it would be interesting to hear his thoughts on building a team in a less forgiving stadium.

While pitchers working games at Chase Field will likely welcome this news with a frown, Home Run Derby enthusiasts should be smiling. The Diamondbacks are hosting this summer's All-Star Game and it would be a lot less fun if the balls had the life taken out of them in the humidor ahead of time.

Also happy: Justin Upton fantasy owners hoping for a breakout season from the 22-year-old who took a step backward last season.