Turnin 2 SS 2b
06-15-2002, 12:05 AM
MIAMI -- Cliff Floyd has a comfort level in South Florida. The Marlins right fielder loves the area and his teammates, although he isn't crazy about Pro Player Stadium.
For Floyd, two out of three ain't bad.
If the 29-year-old outfielder had his way, he would wear a Marlins uniform the rest of his career.
"There ain't no better place - city wise and team wise," Floyd said.
Eligible for free agency after the season, Floyd's future with the Marlins remains cloudy.
On Friday, though, Floyd shed a little light on his situation by disclosing two weeks ago his agent, Seth Levinson, had contract discussions with Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest.
The meeting took place when the Marlins were in New York playing the Mets over Memorial Day weekend. While nothing concrete developed, the fact there was dialogue was encouraging.
"At least they are talking, and they want me here," said Floyd, an All-Star a year ago who is hitting .291 with 14 homers and 42 RBIs this season.
Floyd's big beef about Pro Player Stadium are its dimensions, specifically the its deep 434-foot center-field wall. He notes that on the road, his home run chances increase.
While Floyd wants to remain with the Marlins, he expects to be dealt if the team falls at least 10 games out of the NL East race by the July 31 trade deadline.
Floyd, who is making $6.5 million this season, added he would eagerly re-sign with the Marlins for an acceptable offer.
Marlins president David Samson acknowledged discussions were held with Floyd's agent, but says there is no timetable to re-sign the left-handed power hitter.
"The timetable for Larry to have conversations with his representatives to establish where we are going," Samson said Friday. "If there is a commonality of interest and vision, then you get it signed."
Since assuming ownership of the Marlins on the eve of Spring Training opening, Samson has said the organization will evaluate each player.
"We've been pretty consistent from the beginning," Samson said. "What Larry said is coming true. He looks around and he plans for now and the future. And Cliff is such an important part of this team that it only makes sense to start looking at your roster as we move forward and try to understand where we're going to be positioned. Not just this year but as we're going forward."
As for Floyd's comment on being traded if the Marlins drop out of the race, Samson said: "The definition of what's in it and what's not is very fuzzy."
Florida entered Friday 5 1/2 games behind the Braves in the NL East. The Marlins are in a pivotal stretch playing 20 of their next 23 games before the All-Star Break at home. Their only three road games are at Tampa Bay.
"I think it's important for the players to focus right now," Samson said. "We have a huge stretch. We're in the state of Florida through the All-Star Break. This is a crucial time for us."
For Floyd, two out of three ain't bad.
If the 29-year-old outfielder had his way, he would wear a Marlins uniform the rest of his career.
"There ain't no better place - city wise and team wise," Floyd said.
Eligible for free agency after the season, Floyd's future with the Marlins remains cloudy.
On Friday, though, Floyd shed a little light on his situation by disclosing two weeks ago his agent, Seth Levinson, had contract discussions with Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest.
The meeting took place when the Marlins were in New York playing the Mets over Memorial Day weekend. While nothing concrete developed, the fact there was dialogue was encouraging.
"At least they are talking, and they want me here," said Floyd, an All-Star a year ago who is hitting .291 with 14 homers and 42 RBIs this season.
Floyd's big beef about Pro Player Stadium are its dimensions, specifically the its deep 434-foot center-field wall. He notes that on the road, his home run chances increase.
While Floyd wants to remain with the Marlins, he expects to be dealt if the team falls at least 10 games out of the NL East race by the July 31 trade deadline.
Floyd, who is making $6.5 million this season, added he would eagerly re-sign with the Marlins for an acceptable offer.
Marlins president David Samson acknowledged discussions were held with Floyd's agent, but says there is no timetable to re-sign the left-handed power hitter.
"The timetable for Larry to have conversations with his representatives to establish where we are going," Samson said Friday. "If there is a commonality of interest and vision, then you get it signed."
Since assuming ownership of the Marlins on the eve of Spring Training opening, Samson has said the organization will evaluate each player.
"We've been pretty consistent from the beginning," Samson said. "What Larry said is coming true. He looks around and he plans for now and the future. And Cliff is such an important part of this team that it only makes sense to start looking at your roster as we move forward and try to understand where we're going to be positioned. Not just this year but as we're going forward."
As for Floyd's comment on being traded if the Marlins drop out of the race, Samson said: "The definition of what's in it and what's not is very fuzzy."
Florida entered Friday 5 1/2 games behind the Braves in the NL East. The Marlins are in a pivotal stretch playing 20 of their next 23 games before the All-Star Break at home. Their only three road games are at Tampa Bay.
"I think it's important for the players to focus right now," Samson said. "We have a huge stretch. We're in the state of Florida through the All-Star Break. This is a crucial time for us."