For this weekend's series vs the Mets in Citi Field, the Dodgers attempted to leave three markers in the OF (2 in CF, 1 on RF) to aid their outfielders with their positioning. Dodger personnel used a laser rangefinder to detemine the positions pregame and then tried to leave the markers in the field.
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/los-angeles-dodgers-outfielder-new-york-mets-complaint-defense-laser-markers-ken-rosenthal-052816
The Dodgers may not be the only club who does this.
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/los-angeles-dodgers-outfielder-new-york-mets-complaint-defense-laser-markers-ken-rosenthal-052816
The Dodgers may not be the only club who does this.
The Mets' grounds crew, however, told their superiors that the Dodgers informed them that if the markers were removed, Dodgers players would dig holes in the outfield with their cleats. The Mets then instructed their grounds crew to erase or obliterate anything they saw on the playing surface.
Using electronic devices to establish defensive positioning before games is permissible, sources said. The incident, however, raises the question of whether teams should be allowed to leave markers on the field. Other teams also have employed that practice, sources said.
Rival clubs have asked the Dodgers' grounds crew for permission to leave markers, and the Dodgers have said yes, a source said.