Mlb Network analyst and former Mets outfielder Cliff Floyd talks Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, David Wright as a rookie and Alex Rodriguez with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Is it as simple as the Mets having these two pitchers — Harvey and Wheeler — and them being able to turn around a franchise?
A: If you look at the start Harvey’s had it pushes guys like Wheeler to sort of not be left out. And I think sooner or later the Mets will turn this thing around. If they can get (Jon) Niese and (Dillon) Gee healthy you solidify a rotation that allows (general manager) Sandy Alderson and the organization to look elsewhere and do other things — fix the bullpen, outfield and eliminate the problems that are keeping you from being a contending team.
Q: What has been your take on Wheeler’s first two starts?
A: Tuesday night he struggled, but that’s just the learning curve and figuring out how to be effective on the big-league level. There’s going to be ups and downs. You are going to see him grow into a pitcher that has precise control and be able to reach back and get a strike out when he needs it.
Q: What were your impressions of David Wright when he came into the league?
A: I thought he had all the makings of a star. It would just be, would he be able to handle all the things that come from playing in the city? It will break you if you allow it. But he’s handled it, and I am looking forward to seeing him when this team is winning and him reaping the benefits of that.
Q: What was your take on the Alex Rodriguez-Brian Cashman flap?
A: If it’s one thing I’ve learned from playing, be careful what you say — superstar or not. That’s especially (true), with the Yankees and especially with Cashman. It’s one name you know around baseball: You know the general manager of the Yankees and you know how private he is.
Q: Did you know when you were playing you would want to get into broadcasting?
A: Some guys say that, but I had no clue. To me, it was the challenge of being able to stay in the game. To be able to see it from a different angle from outside the game it’s totally different. You see things on a nightly basis that are baffling. It’s tough because you have friendships and because you played the game. I remember how hard it is to be consistent on a daily basis, but I still have to tell it like it is.