Cliff Floyd

Floyd put up serviceable numbers for an aging and injury-prone fourth outfielder last year. He had a .373 OBP and showed modest power in 282 at-bats. But the Cubs declined his $5-million option, and he signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay. Given his injury history, you should expect a similar number of at-bats, although the option of using him as a DH could keep him healthy and provide more opportunities for production. Floyd, Rocco Baldelli and Jonny Gomes will all share time at right field and DH for the Rays.

For the third in his four years as a Met, injuries cut short Floyd's season, limiting him to just 97 games and 332 at-bats. A spring training kidney scare started him off on the wrong foot and then several minor injuries culminating in a strained left Achilles' tendon plagued him throughout the season. Floyd saw his batting average against lefties plummet to .179 in 84 at-bats while the leg injuries sapped him of any speed hurting him in the field and on the basepaths. He may be best suited to playing in the AL, where he could DH and avoid playing the field.

Floyd turned back the clock in 2005 to have his best season since 2001. He played through a few minor nicks and bumps to have his most at-bats since 1998. He was seemingly in the midst of every Met rally. Floyd annihilated righties (.290-25-73 in 407 AB) and while his batting average against lefties took another slide down to .224, he managed nine HR and 25 RBI. His legs, which have bothered him for years, were spry enough to steal 12 bases and contributed to his improved outfield play. He made a sliding catch every couple of days to rob someone of a base hit, it seemed. Floyd has been mentioned as possible trade bait for Manny Ramirez, but the likelihood is that he'll be back for the final year of his contract at Shea. With the lineup surrounding him, he should have another big season at the plate if he can stay healthy.

Floyd, who has seemingly been plagued by injuries his whole career, finished with less than 400 AB for the second year in a row. His numbers have been in a steady decline since his career year in 2001, particularly those against lefties. His career average is .288 against southpaws with one home run every 25 AB, while in 2004, he hit just .239 with one long ball in 63 AB. His range in the outfield has declined over time due his leg injuries and it would seem that he's better suited to being a DH in the AL. His critical comments during the Mets' late-summer slide may have paved the way for him out of town, possibly for Sammy Sosa.

Floyd's career has been plagued by nagging injuries and last year was no different. He was limited to just 365 at bats due to a strained right Achilles' tendon that bothered him from spring training on and eventually required season-ending surgery. The recovery time for the surgery is expected to be five months and Floyd should be ready for the start of spring training. He has promised to lose 15 pounds to take the some pressure off his legs. If he is able to remain healthy, he should be able to post solid numbers across the board hitting behind Mike Piazza.

After the Marlins traded Floyd last season, they managed to hit all of three homers from the left-hand side of the plate for the remainder of the season. Floyd initially failed to provide the Red Sox the offensive boost they were looking for after they traded for him because he was immediately sidelined with a nagging injury typical of his career. Wherever he lands, Floyd provides his fantasy owners with good power, speed, and batting average whenever he is in the starting lineup.