Former Mets outfielder turned MLB Network analyst Cliff Floyd recalls his time under Joe Maddon and talks the rest of the postseason with The Post’s Justin Terranova. MLB Network is airing Game 2 of the ALDS between the Blue Jays and Rangers on Friday.
Q: You played under Joe Maddon in Tampa. What has made him successful as a manager?
A: He doesn’t allow his young guys to think much, he puts them out there in situations and gives them chances. And he doesn’t allow you to second-guess him because his philosophy always works. He’s been able to take it from Tampa to Chicago. Sometimes it’s not that easy, but he just has the right mix of veterans and youngsters. They are just guys that get it, buy in and understand what’s going on. If you do that you’ll like Joe.
Q: How do you explain the improvement in Jake Arrieta since moving from the Orioles to the Cubs?
A: It shows that when you have a guy who wants to do it his way — he has a funny windup — then let him be himself, and that’s what he is doing in Chicago. He throws 96-97 (mph) with a hard slider, a big 12-to-6 curveball. He actually missed his spots on Wednesday night, but it ends up being effective. As a hitter, you feel like you have to battle, and you lose your game plan.
Q: Are the Cardinals being overlooked because of all the injuries?
A: You look at everything that’s happened and you say, “How the hell did they win 100 games?” They just seem to get it done, and every time you think they are done, they find a way. You can’t question what they’ve done or say they are on the ropes because they lost Carlos Martinez.
Q: Are the Blue Jays the clear favorites in the AL?
A: I see it wide open mainly because after David Price, this team is going to rely heavily on that offense. Marcus Stroman has been solid since returning, but the rest of their rotation is suspect and you can beat them in high-scoring games. I really do think with Texas’ offense, they have a shot.
Q: How does the Royals’ run from last season help them now?
A: It’s experience they’ll (be able) to rely on since they’ve been as bad as you can possibly be in September. The offense has been there for the most part all season, but they had this thing locked up for so long that they got a little complacent. They have a hell of a challenge coming from the Astros.