PORT ST. LUCIE – Cliff Floyd thought he might sneak in under the radar by reporting two days early, but he immediately established his presence at Mets’ camp yesterday.
Looking fit and trim and speaking plainly, Floyd openly campaigned for the acquisition of former Marlins teammate Mike Lowell to play third base after hearing the Mets were in pursuit.
“It would be a great addition for us,” Floyd told the Post. “If they are going to get somebody, then they should definitely try to get the club better.”
Although the Mets’ payroll is currently the majors’ second-highest at $120 million and rookie Ty Wigginton appears to be in line for the hot corner, indications are the club will upgrade for the right price. Or as owner Fred Wilpon told the Post on Saturday morning, “We’re not done making moves.”
Floyd played in Florida from 1997-2002 and is good friends with Lowell, who shares the same agent.
“He’s a great guy for the clubhouse, a great guy in terms of understanding the game and knowing what his responsibilities are,” Floyd said. “He’s nobody [a coaching staff] has to keep talking to. Let him know where he’s playing and where he’s hitting, and he does the rest.”
The 30-year-old Floyd was careful not to denigrate Wigginton, whom he met over the winter and was impressed with during minicamp. Wigginton has been in camp for a week in a determined attempt to become the starting third baseman, and the Mets also signed veteran Jay Bell for competition.
“Ty’s going for the job, and you can’t take anything away from Ty,” Floyd said. “You never know. [Acquiring Lowell] doesn’t mean you keep Ty off the team.
“It’s no-lose. (If the Mets can’t make a deal), then that’s great, too.”
Yesterday, Mets officials confirmed they are exploring their interest in Lowell and Boston third baseman Shea Hillenbrand. But GM Steve Phillips has only resumed talking with the Red Sox about Hillenbrand since Boston acquired Kevin Millar late last week. Phillips said nothing was imminent.
An industry source felt the Marlins wouldn’t part with Lowell and was concerned the Red Sox still seem to be asking for a top prospect, which in the Mets’ case would be someone like righty Aaron Heilman.
The Red Sox are looking to unload Hillenbrand since they signed Bill Mueller to play third and acquired Millar to play first. Most industry observers feel their price will drop if they feel they must part with Hillenbrand.
Floyd, who also played with Hillenbrand during a three-team odyssey from Florida to Montreal to Boston last season, would love to be reunited with the 27-year-old Boston All-Star as well.
“He can play. Them talking about him [in trade rumors], I’m like, ‘Wow,’ ” Floyd said. “I can’t believe why people can give up on a guy like that.
“He doesn’t walk and they say he doesn’t play good defense. But I played behind him in left field late in the year, and there were a bunch of balls I went for that he dove for and caught.”
Floyd, who lives in South Florida, drove up yesterday morning and was in Mets workout clothes by midday. He said he reported early in order to get situated, learn the area and maintain a diet and fitness regimen that has him at least 20 pounds lighter than he has been in the past.
“My reflexes are a lot better,” Floyd said. “I don’t feel like I’m bloated. Now I feel like everything is going to flow.”