It will be a homecoming for sorts for Cliff Floyd tonight when the Cubs arrive in Flushing for a four-game series. Floyd was a favorite of reporters for his candid and humorous quotes, but the oft-injured leftfielder could be too blunt at times for management's liking. It happened again in spring training this year when Floyd ripped manager Willie Randolph for his supposed uncertainty in the ninth inning of that brutal Game 7 loss to the Cardinals in the NLCS, and that caused a few ripples in an otherwise placid Mets' camp.
Floyd was no fan of Shea, that's for sure, and he reiterated those feelings this weekend to the Daily Southtown. But he did appreciate the energy of playing in New York -- this is a guy who played in empty stadiums in Florida and Montreal -- and I was curious what the reception will be for him tonight. Does Cliff remain a fan favorite?
Comments (24)
Gomez gets called up, at the moment he has cooled off in AAA. He had no homers last I checked. For his brief career he has never shown any power. He is the corner outfielder of the future?
Hardly, I believe he is being showcased. Rich Harden is supposed to be coming back soon. However I have an idea, the Giants center fielder Dave Roberts is likely gone for the season. They also just sent down Todd Linden who imploded this year in the bigs. That is two centerfielders out. Is it possible that the Giants and Mets are working on a deal for Matt Morris.
Matt Morris is from New York and he regained his 91 MPH fastball that became 85 last year to broken ribs.
Something is going on for sure.
Cliff Who?
1. Uncle Cliffie gets a big, big ovation tonight. And well-deserved.
2. Gomez isn't going anywhere. Never shown power? The guy's 6'4 and as fast or faster than Reyes (according to Reyes). He's only 21, and will grow into his frame and hit for plenty of power. And yes, he did have a HR this year in AAA, a couple of days before the call-up.
Plus, even if he never hits for much power, he's a ++ defensive player with a rifle arm and will hit for average. You don't want a gold glove RF, with a cannon, who hits .300 and steals 50 bases just because he only gets 10-15 dingers? Do me a favor, go apply for the Braves GM job, it'll make our lives easier here in NY.
3. The guy who could easily be traded is Milledge - though his foot injury may save him that fate before this season's deadline. I think that the org is sold on Gomez, and F-Mart is hitting .300 as a 19 year-old in AA and looks like he may be better than both of them.
4. Is it just me, or is it possible that yesterday saw the most talented defensive outfield that has ever started a game for this organization? Gotta be pretty damn close.
AJ Smith, your passion is impressive, but lets not choke while gulping down the cool-aid. If one home run is what you want from a rightfielder or leftfielder then you have to assume that the power must come from another place. Currently there are only a few 2nd baseman who posses that power. There are first basemen available
in the coming years, but catcher is not a place to search for consistent power numbers. Jose Reyes has not been hitting with power this year, but his average is up. If he did hit for power, he certainly would have to consider slotting down in the order. So if you consider how most teams are shaped, generally you should expect "significant" power numbers from the corner outfield spots. This has been a Mets achilles heel for a long long time.
Milledge...
He didn't play winter ball...
He is injured...
He has shown an attitude...
So the line to acquire Lastings Milledge might be very short indeed...
I wouldn't be surprised by the end of the year he is traded, but how much is he really going to bring back?..
I really hope that Lasting's comes back and tears it up for three straight months...that way you know were you stand at the table for a trade...
Also the myth about he was going to be traded straight up for Barry Zito...it turns out...the real conversations were about Harden...this was confirmed by Billy Beane...there was never any truth to the Zito for Milledge report...I think that is hilarious.
Well, let's see. We have a CF who "outhomers" his position, and a SS who looks likely to be good for 20 per year, a 3B who will hold his own in the HR department position-wise, as should Delgado and whoever follows him there, and F-Mart has shown good power for his age/level, and he'll likely be in left by '09 at the latest.
Plus, I think you're selling Gomez a little short. The kid's 6'4 and an amazing athlete. There's no reason - assuming he continues to develop as he should - that he's not a 20 HR guy to go along with his other tools. He showed excellent extra base power in New Orleans this year.
I just think it's insane to look at a talent like that - at 21 years old - and say that he can't play corner outfield for you because he won't hit enough homers.
There should be some teams interested in Milledge, he has talent. He could probably start for a lot of teams because he does not make a lot of money.
He can get a good chance to play.
ajsmith, I agree with you on some of your points. Others, not really.
Jose Reyes has not hit for any power this year.
Last I checked he was on a pace for 10 this year.
If Delgado does not turn himself around "yes" there are a few really big names that are available, my favorite Texieria. Free Agent from Texas.
Third base and power rarely happens, David Wright has had a power dip this year, a big dip. There are not many who can bang 25 and play good defense on the "hot corner". (Maybe 4?)
My point is this, the most advantageous spots to provide needed power numbers to your team--is the corner outfield spots.
It can be more affordable and easier to supply those spots with the thump.
Depending on third, short, second, catcher for your power is really selling the team vision short. Those are usually primary defensive positions. I believe that unless Gomez bats "leadoff" and Jose Reyes moves down in the order to third, then it is a complete "waste" to have Gomez play everyday on the corner. Why? Because there is no way on a Championship team, your corner outfielder bats eighth. There is just no way in hell, unless it is a makeshift and desperate situation. It is an albatross.
Cliff Floyd opening his mouth? Well Cliff had no problem opening his hand to collect paychecks with the Mets. But Ol'Cliffie had a big problem performing as he was contractually obligated to do. Cliff spent more time on the bench than Judge Judy.
You want to change history and call Cliff Floyd a met hero, go ahead. I thought he was a waste of money. Even in his one decent season with the Mets, he tailed off down the stretch. That is why his ribbies were so low that year.
And how did he do for Boston after they traded for him? I batted like .230 something. As far as I am concerned Cliff Floyd was an obscene waste of money that could have been better spent on a legitimate bat, not a person who can barely walk.
Cliff Floyd?
Don't go away mad.
Cliff? Just go away....
Everyone knows that Cliff Floyd choked in the Playoffs, including Cliff.
He had the rest, the medical staff hand holding him, he had the fans rocking and cheering him, but he did what he always does in pressure...fold.
"Cliff Floyd spent more time on the bench than Judge Judy"
That is ruthless you bast*rd. Grow up.
You Met fans can't make up your mind. Example, you were whining about Dice-K Matsuzaka. But, now you never hear a Met fan even mention his name. Of course not, today he pitched a complete game, gave up one run. It lowered his ERA to
--------4.17---------------
You guys should give Omar more credit than you do.
Barry Zito--
3-4 4.29 ERA
50.1 Innings Pitched
43 Hits
24 Earned Runs
4 Home Runs
21 Walks
35 Strikeouts
126 Million Bucks
You guys should give Omar more credit than you do.
Where is it written a championship team must have significant power from the corners. Last year the Mets
had Floyd and Nady who batted 6th and 7th. Gomez couldn't bat 7th someday?
At this point last year, Reyes had 3 homers.
Loved the comment about Dice-K and Zito. We don't need them.John Maine is for real. Perez is what he was a couple of years ago(1 hitter?). And Glavine nearly pitched a 1 hitter tonight (D-fence a little slow). Pelfrey finally got sent down, but Sosa (I know an x-enemy(Atlanta)) is solid enough to round the staff out with who ever you want to be #5 till Pedro or ED gets back. The lineup can score when ever. So far Starting Pitching B+(Pelfrey) Offense (A) Defense (B+) (Cubs game) GM A+ Man A.
If Gomez batted 7th, is he really going to steal 50 bases? How about 30?
Everyone here seems to think that he can.
But if he gets thrown out,
and the eighth place hitter leads off the following inning, then you
basically start a crap inning.
If he makes the second out trying to steal, and the eighth place batter makes the final out in a frame, then the pitcher leads off the next inning. That is not a great situation, and late in a game, it ruins the strategy for a manager.
Chances are, he would have the red light most times.
Mets are on a pace to go
105-57.
Go Mets!
I bought a shirt for my wife
it is white and has the Mets written across the front and orange and blue piping.
So I picked up some old patches from 86 and Shea's Anniversary, along with 1969 Championship patch.
She loves the patches, and I had them sewn on. I never thought she would like the Mets or baseball for that matter. But she does now. And ladies, believe me---there is nothing sexier than a baseball chick, or a baseball chick with patches
from your favorite team all over her cute baseball shirt. I hope she uses the shirt for a pajama so I can cuddle with her.
Pedro Feliciano has 10 walks in 16 innings.
Last year he pitched 60 innings and had 20 walks.
His role has changed this year, probably due to the fact that Schoeneweis has been great and Smith has been a real find. The situations may change in time, I can envision Smith being an option just before Billy Wagner.
At this point Reyes had 3 homers?
Well, he is behind last years pace because he has only 2 in 160 at bats.
But he is on a pace to steal 100 and get 230 hits.
And he looks really mean with the haircut, he will be the MVP, nobody cares about JJ Hardy , he never stays healthy. This year will be the same.
Stop it with the Cliff bashing, the guy played hurt when he could and practically carried the Mets in 2005. He was a great guy in the clubhoue, especially with the younger players and was held in high regard by everyone he played with.
Fold? You've gotta be kidding me. If that's your definition of folding, you may as well get rid of the entire Mets roster for failing to win the NLCS last year.
I can't believe a true Met fan would come on here and bash Cliff. Sounds more like a typical Yankee fan comment.
I'm with you py,
I don't get it. The guy played his a** off in our jersey. As a matter of fact i would rather still have in him LF this year before the old man they went and signed.
Floyd was a hell of a player on and off the field.
Mookie-- Floyd, Alou?
They are one in the same player. Pathetic old stinkers.
But at least Alou doesn't back stab his manager at every given opportunity.
To bunt or not to bunt, that is the question?
If Cliff had a chance he would probably backstab the cuddly NY.Met mascot, Mr. Met .
Yes but I like Floyd better especially on the Mets. Don't get it wrong if his season ended differently he is still wearing a Mets Jersey.
Floyd cleared up what he said. Why the hating?
Either way neither is on the team next year. Alou, is filling a spot that a kid like Gomez can steal right now.
Mookie, if you pine for the "fantasy" days of Cliff Floyd, and in doing so you forget reality of actual accomplishment and fulfilling your contract then do me a favor....
you are not allowed to complain,
or even mention discomfort,
in the fact that Moises Alou ---your left fielder--will have less than 300 at bats this year. Just as many of us had predicted.
It is a waste of money, he should be a part-time DH somewhere. Or retire.