New field welcomes Braves and Brewers for opener

MILWAUKEE (AP) - The arctic cold that encased the Midwest this winter didnt exactly make for the most ideal of conditions to grow new grass for the Brewers, even with the retractable roof closed at Miller Park.

But the groundskeepers pressed on with the new sod. Even brought over some grow lamps from Europe to give the field an around-the-clock dose of synthetic sunlight.

All to get ready for Monday, when baseball returns to Milwaukee. The Brewers will host the Atlanta Braves to open the 2014 season for both teams.

This was a little harsher winter than we had anticipated. Were hoping for a little better spring, said Michael Boettcher, the teams director of grounds. But regardless of what Mother Nature gave us here, were going to have it ready for Opening Day.

The new field was lush and green for a two-game exhibition set against the Kansas City Royals over the weekend. Players gave it rave reviews.

The team was scheduled to get the grow lamps even before the brutal winter. Turned out to be perfect timing when the contraptions arrived this month.

It looks absolutely fantastic, outfielder Logan Schafer said. Its a lot firmer underneath. Last year, wed do a lot of burnouts trying to get jumps and wed kind of kick up a lot of grass. But you look it looks great out there, playing great.

One less thing for Ryan Braun to worry about as he switches positions from left to right field. But as if that wasnt enough of a transition, the Brewers top player is also returning from a 65-game doping suspension by Major League Baseball stemming from Biogenesis scandal.

So far, Braun looks as if hes going to follow through on his vow to again become one of baseballs top sluggers. The 2011 NL MVP hit .417 this spring with three homers and nine RBIs, and manager Ron Roenicke is also pleased with the way hes handled the move to right.

Hes working hard at it and he feels comfortable out there, the skipper said. I think with the range that he has hell save us a lot of runs.

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New field welcomes Braves and Brewers for opener