MET NOTES
A combination of things has contributed to Cliff Floyd’s 1-for-11 start, but consider this: the Mets had won one game up until last night, and Floyd had the big hit in it.
Cold weather, the natural urge to press and a slight mechanical kink had Floyd out of sorts entering the start of the Mets-Expos series, but the left fielder hoped he worked it out in afternoon BP.
Manager Art Howe believes Floyd, who’s hitting .091, has gotten “real big” with his swing after crushing a two-run homer in Wednesday night’s victory. Howe reasoned that with Mike Piazza serving a four-game suspension and Mo Vaughn missing Thursday’s game with the stomach flu, Floyd felt like he needed to carry the offense.
“He hit that one and it looks like he wants to hit one every time,” Howe said. “It’s understandable. Once he gets a few knocks to fall in, he’ll be OK.”
Floyd has tried to put any distractions or negatives aside and simply work on the basics. He spent the afternoon working on keeping his head down and finding the proper timing.
“The reason my swing is long is I’m trying to catch up,” Floyd said. “I’m not set.”
Outfielder Raul Gonzalez and infielder Marco Scutaro were outrighted off the 40-man roster. Both players are at Triple-A Norfolk. Gonzalez had a window to decline and become a free agent, but he accepted the assignment.
The 40-man roster spots were needed for David Cone and Tony Clark, who will be recalled for tomorrow’s game.
Michael Bacsik will be added to the rotation in Norfolk, which was originally scheduled as Aaron Heilman, Pat Strange, Jeremy Griffiths, Jason Middlebrook and Phil Seibel. Seibel will start in Double-A.