The Padres released OF Cliff Floyd yesterday, according to MLB.com.
The 36–year-old Floyd appeared in just 10 games for the Padres in 2009, and hit just .268 in 80 games for the Rays in 2008.
…i by no means believe the Mets should bring floyd back… but, i do think there is a need for an Uncle Cliff type as the 25th man on the roster…
…i would say once every few months, i end up listening to the same two friends debate the idea of ‘Character Guys,’ as it pertains to baseball, performance and the clubhouse… one guy seems convinced Character Guys exist and are important, such as an Alex Cora, and the more you have on the roster the better, while the other believes they are not necessary, so long as everyone on the 25–man roster does his job in full…
…to me, reality is in the middle… yes, if everyone on the roster did their job, that would be great, but a team often needs that wise, experienced veteran to help guide people and insure that such a quality performance can happen… for instance, the floyd, cora, Jose Valentin type can relate to their younger, less-experienced teammates in a way that coaches cannot, helping them to maintain their mind and body over the course of a long, draining, 162–game season… these are young men, not robots… i know people enjoy picking through statistics, but sometimes the guy who hits .400 against lefties gets dumped by his girlfriend, feels like crap and strikes out against a left-handed pitcher that night, despite his .400 average… and, the ‘Character Guy,’ or the veteran leader, can help guide people through the awkward experience of growing up in the major leagues, be it with personal adjustments, hitting a curve ball or when and how to take batting practice…
…its seems like everytime floyd leaves a team, be it the Mets, Cubs or Rays, there is some young player who credits him with making a major impact on their experience and success… just recently, i talked with someone in Tampa who told me B.J. Upton desperately missed floyd this season, for this exact reason…
…i’m not saying a team needs a bench full of these men… but, i think it’s a smart way to fill the 25th man on the roster… sort of a player-coach, who can hit, but who is better at being a rock for people to lean on…
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Floyd for Bench Coach (and get someone else to work on defense)?
No offense Matt but if Upton had a bad year due to Cliff’s absense, the Rays are in for big trouble.
Not to mention that BJ’s career year was in 2007 (w/o Floyd) when he had a .894 OPS. 2008 was .784 and 2009 .686… I’m not buying it what your guy in Tampa is selling.
I agree with you all here. Matt, don’t complain when we get the Julo Franco’s and the Alex Cora’s of the world for $2M.
Wouldn’t surprise me if Floyd became a coach somewhere.
this “Character Guys” thing is way overrated. you need talent to win and thats it.
I believe Willie Randolph said the same thing.
Speaking of BJ Upton… just read at ESPN that the Cubs are pushing the Rays for a quick resolution to their Milton Bradley talks… and ESPN wonders what that means for Crawford or Upton… could this be an opening for the Mets to buy low on Upton or make an offer for either guy?
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors#3119
I love the BJ Upton idea. He would be great in LF and spell Beltran from time to time in CF, only if we bring in a power bat at first.
I also think he would be better in RF than Francoeur, but that what is done is done.
I would look into Delmon Young though. Good young, cheap, and his bat is starting to find that power.
I think Upton is still capable of hitting 25 consistently. Also, a full season or Daniel Murphy at 1B should give us 20 more.
“I would look into Delmon Young though. Good young, cheap, and his bat is starting to find that power.”
This is exactly why the the chance of the Twins moving him are slim and none
I like the idea of a pinch hitting specialist.
My five man bench would normally include a Catcher, a 4th OF, a corner IF, a middle IF, and a PH
I think the problem with Cliff is that if he’s announced against a RHP, the opposing team would bring in a lefty and neutralize him.
My ultimet bench
C: Thole
C IF: Wigginton
M IF: Cora
4 OF: Pagan
PH: Nomar Garciaparra
Nomar can still hit lefties and righties. Mature enough to know he’s limited in the field and won’t complain about lack of playing time. Should be able to handle pressure of a big AB. Just a thought. I also like Tony Clark in this role
I’ll agree with Matt.
Character and the intangibles in the clubhouse DO matter. How many of our readers would agree that working with people you like and that can get the best out of you makes you a more productive employee? I know that is true for me. Sure, I can go anywhere and be a mercenary, but when I like the people I work with and they know how to help keep me focused and motivated, I am generally better off.
I also agree with Matt that baseball players are not robots and that human nature and emotions play a role. Call me crazy.
I think Wright became the player and leader he is because Cliff took him under his wing.
…and stretched out his pink polo shirt so he couldn’t wear it anymore.
I just think it’s a false choice. It’s not an either/or proposition. You can get good players who are also good clubhouse guys.
If all else is equal, obviously you’ll take the good clubhouse guy over the bad one. But give me the more talented guy any day.
Cliff was solid for us when healthy. He was also a good clubhouse guy. You can be both.
As we look back, I think it is clear the critical differences between the 2006 team and the teams that followed were the subtle influences of Cliff Floyd and Jose Valentin. I think their absence left a leadership void that was certainly felt in late 2007 at least – 2008 may have really come down more to a lack of talent and depth. Maybe a lesser extent LoDuca, but LoDuca became a much different guy in 2007 after all of his shenanigans went public.
That said, shame as it is, Cliff is done as a player. Like Alou, this guy was just a lethal hitter who could have had an amazing career if he’d stayed healthy. I still contend that no one I’ve ever seen hit balls harder than Floyd when he was on…I mean he simply punsihed balls.
I don’t see any use for him as a player, but what about a straight-up coach? I know it’s not quite the same…but given the relationships he still probably has with some guys here, he could still be a great influence.
Cliff Floyd, third base coach of life? I love it.
As you said, Cliffy is probably done as a player, but anything that gets him in the fold, I would love.
I would sign on for Cliffy as a coach. I still remember the sound of hsi wrist breaking when he and HUndley collided. We do have a opening or two.
I sure do miss the theme from Sanford and Son.
Get him as third base coach!
and while we’re at it, bring back Jose Valentin as a coach.. Jose Reyes hasn’t been the same since he left
Torii Hunter always reminded me of a somewhat younger Cliff Floyd.
I think it’s tough to find guys like this…because most teams would want a player like that.
It seems more luck than anything when a team brings an established and well-respected vet and they succeed in the capacity we’re talking about. I’d bet that most of those signings end up on the DL or are DFA.
Let’s hope the Mets version of Moe, Larry and Curly (not to insult the Three Stooges) choose wisely. Something tells me that won’t happen.
Know your place, rook.
I just have to say, that was a lot of stuff to read, it’s going to be a long off-seaosn, this team needs to get better, i just hope it does
i remember a few years ago when the fans were booing everyone but when floyd came up not one boo…even the fans knew this guy gave his all…i was kinda proud to be a mets fan (not a common feeling over the years) at this…
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