Intrigue boils over at press conference

ELLIOTT SMITH, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published July 10

SEATTLE -- Well, it took about five minutes before controversy reared its head during Monday's media day.

A reporter asked New York Mets and National League manager Bobby Valentine what he would say to the Marlins' Cliff Floyd, whose on again, off again All-Star saga made headlines last week.

"Probably welcome, let's go get 'em," Valentine said with a smile. "What do you think I'm going to say? What would make a good story?"

The story of All-Star snubs and last-minute additions has been a good one, as both managers came under fire for some of their choices to round out the rosters.

"You're always going to have players who are going to be upset or felt they were snubbed," New York Yankees manager and American League skipper Joe Torre said.

"Last year, Frank Thomas had a wonderful year and I didn't choose him. It's just one of those things. I think they should expand the roster by five, but you're still going to have people that belong there and are not. It's unfortunate."

Torre's most criticized selection was that of middle relief pitcher Mike Stanton, leaving off topline starters like Aaron Sele and Brad Radke.

The debate could have tempered Stanton's first All-Star appearance, but he said he didn't let the controversy bother him.

"I don't watch TV and I don't read the paper, so I didn't hear anything, really," he said. "I don't let it bother me. I've got nothing to do with it. I thank Joe for standing up for me, though. He's really in a no-win situation. It didn't matter who he chose, it was going to be criticized."

Valentine vs. Floyd had taken on a life of its own, with both parties taking potshots at each other in the media.

"I was mad," the Marlins outfielder said. "I wanted to say everything that I felt, but I chilled. I just couldn't understand it."

However, things seemed to be fine between the two -- for now.

"I'm glad that a guy who was on the line in Cliff Floyd did make it," Valentine said.

Added Floyd, "I know that we go to New York in a week and a half and I know it's going to be a zoo."

Speaking of New York, the Mike Piazza vs. Roger Clemens feud was brought up again, although both parties seemed weary of reliving last season's bat-throwing incident again.

"I've faced Mike before," Clemens said. "He is not the only one I have to worry about. I've faced Mike many times."

Piazza said he was ready to forget about the whole issue.

"I've moved on," he said. "What's the word? Ambivalent? Irrelevant? I'm just playing baseball. You have to turn the page sometime. People are still asking me questions about the Dodgers, but come on, that was four years ago. You have to clear your mind sometime."

On the web:

John Hancock All-Star FanFest.

MLB.com: All-Star Game 2001

All-Star Game 2001 Player Profiles.

The Olympian Online: Mariners.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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