01/26/06 3:43 PM ET
Floyd chats about upcoming season
Mets outfielder discusses 2006 with fans online
MLB.com

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shlomer: When you were growing up, which team did you root for?
Cliff Floyd: The Chicago White Sox, so I was happy that they won last year!
31yonkers5: I was in Atlanta last season when we started 0-5 and you were getting tormented by a few Atlanta fans in left field. Around the eighth inning, you hit a "Cliff Banger" to right-center. How good did that make you feel while trotting out to left field in the ninth?
Floyd: It was actually left-center, but we won the game and that was the biggest thing.
seanmbrennan: What is your favorite part of playing in New York?
Floyd: My favorite part is that it's the biggest stage. If you play here, you can play anywhere.
31yonkers5: Do you have any friends around the league (current ball players) that you hang out with regularly during the offseason?
Floyd: Yes. Charles Johnson, Jeff Hammonds, Mike Morse, Dmitri Young and Pokey Reese.
g456: How did it feel when you hit 34 home runs?
Floyd: It felt great!
31yonkers5: What ball players, or any athletes in general, did you admire growing up?
Floyd: Harold Baines was my favorite, but I was also a big fan of Leon Durham and Shawon Dunston.
31yonkers5: How are you able to block out the fans while on the field and maintain focus?
Floyd: You just have to concentrate on what you are doing on the field. You can't worry about the fans.
31yonkers5: What does it feel like to see a fan in the stands wearing your jersey?
Floyd: It feels awesome, it feels great! You should head out to the store and buy one, too!
CESAR_VALVERDE: I wish you the best for next year. What are your expectations personally and for the team?
Floyd: I hope to be healthy and help my team win the World Series.
Base_Ball_4: What do you like to do the most over the offseason?
Floyd: I enjoy spending time with my kids.
31yonkers5: If you and the Mets were to pull off a world championship this October, would you consider retirement or would you continue to play in 2007?
Floyd: I would play in 2007 and beyond.
g456: Who is your role model?
Floyd: My parents are my role models.
Base_Ball_4: What are some of your offseason workouts to keep in shape like you were last year?
Floyd: We run stairs every other day, which is the best thing I do during the week.
Paul_Mastrola: Are the Mets the favorite team you've played on out of the four teams?
Floyd: Of course they are!
CESAR_VALVERDE: Are the Mets a World Series team?
Floyd: Yes, don't you think so?
johnnyphat: I know you and David Wright are pretty close. Now that he'll be in his second season, have you got any new nicknames for him besides rook?
Floyd: "Big baller."
ericslipp: Who do you think will be the biggest new addition to this year's team?
Floyd: Billy Wagner.
metsandsox: How could the voters snub you out of the Gold Glove last year? I've never seen a left fielder play like that!
Floyd: How could they? I asked myself that, too.
Cameron_Covington: Are the Mets better now than they were at this time last year?
Floyd: Yes, we are.
Cameron_Covington: What are your thoughts on the World Baseball Classic?
Floyd: If everyone comes back healthy, it's a good thing. If players come back hurt, it's not a good thing.
gustavo_castro: What do you think of the new acquistions Carlos Delgado, Billy Wagner, Paul Lo Duco and the rest?
Floyd: It's great! The team looks good.
31yonkers5: How do you feel?
Floyd: I feel great! I am ready to go.
shlomer: Who was your favorite player growing up?
nymguest: Harold Baines.
cubbiesfan4ever: Why are you so good, Cliff?
Floyd: I just got it.
no1metsfan88: What was your most memorable home run?
Floyd: Last year against the Angels, 3-2, bottom of the ninth. Can't beat it!
finalword: I just wanted to say thanks for a great 2005 season. Between you and David Wright, that was one of the best combos that Mets fans have seen in a long time. You are avery exciting hitter to watch.
Floyd: Thanks very much.
kingnappi: What type of music do you like?
Floyd: I like all kinds of music, but my favorite is R & B.
31yonkers5: How much can you bench press?
Floyd: 450 pounds.
xtremecro: What was your favorite game last season?
Floyd: The game against the Diamondbacks that put us eight games over .500.
gawpuk: Do you have a pregame ritual?
Floyd: Shower. Eat. Relax. Listen to music.
slicktroy: Who has been your funniest teammate?
Floyd: Ramon Castro. He's just one of those guys that keeps the clubhouse loose.
speedysoxmets: Do you think you will be able to have a repeat performance of last year?
Floyd: Yes, why not?
griffey05: Do you have a fantasy team?
Floyd: Yes, only football.
seanmbrennan: Who is your favorite athlete outside of baseball?
Floyd: Allen Iverson.
no1metsfan88: How did the picking on David Wright begin?
Floyd: All rookies have to earn their rights and he earned his by carrying my bags.
Adriene_Lazzaro: Did you play any Little League baseball when you were younger?
Floyd: Yes, I did in Chicago. I started when I was 8.
cyberghost: When you were a free agent, what was the biggest reason why you signed with the Mets?
Floyd: I always wanted to play in New York City and the Mets gave me the opportunity.
Ricky_Ricco: Is this really Cliff Floyd?
Floyd: Is this really Ricky Ricco?
john_smith: Do you play any video games?
Floyd: Yes, Xbox 360 online. Maybe I will see you online.
slicktroy: If you didn't play baseball, what would you be doing?
Floyd: I love basketball and I would definitely have pursued that path. I was 6-foot-4 as a freshman in high school.
bnards: What is your favorite restaurant in New York City?
Floyd: Tao. You get sushi and food cooked right at your table.
slicktroy: What will you do after baseball?
Floyd: Real estate and I hope to own my own bowling alley. I bowled a 290 this year.
k1llahk: What is with that shuffle you do with your arms before every pitch? Is there any purpose to it or is it just a habit you developed?
Floyd: I have no idea. I don't even realize I do that.
tooshea: Where is your hometown and are you married with kids? If you do have kids, do they play any sports?
Floyd: Chicago is my home town. I am engaged and we have two kids. They are too young to play sports yet, but they will.
griffey05: What do you consider a successful season?
Floyd: A World Series championship!
Eduardo_Morales: Do you ever get nervous when you're playing in the field?
Floyd: Yes, a lot.
franklymet: What would you say is your favorite meal?
Floyd: Chicken, greens, corn bread and red Kool Aid -- a soul food meal.
jerryk55: Have you kept in touch with Mike Cameron since his trade? How often do you expect you'll speak with him during the season?
Floyd: Yes, we have spoken. We will keep in touch and will speak often.
nick2888: Do you think the Mets can finally overtake the Braves?
Floyd: Of course!
Rich_Haan: Who would win in a home run derby -- you or David Wright?
Floyd: Definitely me!
31yonkers5: Do you get to pick your own intro music when you bat? What can we expect to hear this season?
Floyd: Yes, I get to pick my own music, but I am still going through my choices for 2006 that I am working on.
Laurie_Keller: I am a 41-year-old mom who never gave a hoot about baseball, but my 9-year-old son thinks you are the coolest. And his admiration is contagious. So now I am a Mets fan. Thanks! We are traveling from Connecticut to see you in a couple games.
Floyd: Thanks, Laurie. Glad to hear you are going to make the trip to Shea this season. I look forward to seeing you.
xtremecro: What is your diet like?
Floyd: No diet, just know your body.
Sean_Harding: Where would you like to hit in the order?
Floyd: I would love to hit third or fifth, but I am not the manager, so we will see.
Rich_Haan: What is your favorite thing to do after a ballgame?
Floyd: I love to spend time with my family and relax.
yanksboy15: Who is the biggest trash-talker in the league?
Floyd: David Wright.
allstarv2003: Who do you think is your best competition in the National League East this year?
Floyd: The Braves. They always win, so we have to overcome them this year.
bnards: A lot of journalists call you arrogant at the plate. Are you really that confident?
Floyd: You have to be confident, but that's not arrogant. You have to believe in yourself.
tooshea: Who discovered you and from where?
Floyd: Stan Zielinski, a scout from the Expos in 1991.
tcoxxxxx: What's your favorite TV show?
Floyd: American Idol.
nico_sowinangoen: Cliff, do you have any pets?
Floyd: Yes, a white American Eskimo and her name is Coco.
illflavored: What do you spend more time working on, hitting or defense?
Floyd: Hitting.
Anthony_Cocuzza: Cliff, what kind of car do you drive?
Floyd: I have an S500, a Flying Spur Bentley, SL500, Range Rover, Dodge Magnum, Cadillac EXT and Phantom Rolls Royce. And that's why I work so hard on the hitting.
gawpuk: Who do you have for the Super Bowl?
Floyd: The Steelers. I am a Bears fan, but I have a lot of friends that love the Steelers, so they are my pick.
mike_k: How's the food in the clubhouse? Which stadium has the best?
Floyd: The food in our clubhouse is very good. The best is probably Tampa Bay.
chieftowa: Where is the toughest ballpark to play? Fans?
Floyd: Philly fans are toughest, but the toughest ballpark is probably Florida.
cfloydinleft: What's it like to be on a baseball card? Did you ever collect them were a kid? Do you collect them now?
Floyd: It's weird, but I love it. I did collect them when I was a kid, but I wish I held on to them.
theofromi: What was your most embarrassing moment in your baseball career?
Floyd: Last year in Philly, I thought there were three outs, but there were only two. I threw the ball to a fan in the stands and they scored.
griffey05: How do you feel Omar Minaya has done as general manager?
Floyd: I think he's done a good job. He's put our team in a position to play in October.
gawpuk: What were your thoughts when David Wright made the play of the year?
Floyd: That play was outstanding! I was happy I was able to see it in person. Congrats to David Wright for winning the MLB.com Play of the Year!
fdnyl2: Do you ever use Carlos Beltran's colored tennis ball machine? Does it help?
Floyd: Yes, I use it. It helps focus your eyes.
dagame13: How would you rate the job Willie Randolph did as a first year manager?
Floyd: I think he did a great job. Expectations were high and I think he met those expectations.
John_Hewitt: What pitcher gives you the most trouble?
Floyd: Roger Clemens.
Anthony_Cocuzza: Cliff, how is the team chemistry right now?
Floyd: This week has been fun with the annual Caravan. We all got to meet Billy Wagner, Paul Lo Duca, Carlos Delgado and our other new teammates. It's a good group. I am really looking forward to Spring Training so we can play some baseball.
johnnyphat: Does it take any pressure off of you now that the Mets have another big lefty in the lineup?
Floyd: I never have pressure, but it's good to have Carlos in the middle of our order.
xtremecro: Who do you think is the best pitcher in the league?
Floyd: Dontrell Willis, and I really like A.J. Burnett's stuff.
bnards: Who do you try to model your game after?
Floyd: I try to model myself after Barry Bonds. He's the best player in the game.
Base_Ball_3: Do you have any superstitions before games?
Floyd: I have to put my sliding shorts on first, my socks, shirt and then uniform and then shoes -- in that order.
mramazinmet: Will you miss Mike Piazza in the clubhouse?
Floyd: He will definitely be missed.
yanksboy15: What is it like to see yourself in a video game?
Floyd: It's crazy. I always play with my team. I get really mad when I strike out in the game.
Edward_Jones: Who are your friends in other pro sports?
Floyd: Ty Law on the Jets and Pat Surtain on the Chiefs.
kingkelly100710: Who was a major influence on you in becoming a Major Leaguer?
Floyd: Tommy Harper was my hitting coach for the Expos. He was more of a father figure away from home, but also a great coach.
Floyd: I want to thank you all for your time today. I am sorry I didn't get to all your questions, but hopefully we will have a lot to talk about after we win the World Series! See you in Spring Training!
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.















