Trading Cliff Floyd

Cliff Floyd during his time with the Montreal Expos

With power-hitting Henry Rodriguez seemingly holding down left field and Cliff Floyd seemingly spending as much time in the trainer’s room as on the field, the Montreal Expos 27 years ago today trade Floyd – the onetime wunderkind prospect – to the Florida Marlins for pitcher Dustin Hermanson and journeyman outfielder Joe Orsulak.

Floyd, then only 24, goes on to play another 13 seasons in the majors before retiring in 2009.

Along the way, Floyd helps the Marlins win the World Series in 1997, becomes an All-Star with the New York Mets in 2001 and serves as a designated hitter for Tampa Bay during their 2008 run to the World Series.

Rodriguez — the outfielder the Expos shortsightedly keep instead of Floyd — quickly is gone from the Expos, who after the 1997 season trade him to the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Miguel Batista.

As for the Expos’ return in the deal, Hermanson posts a 43-47 record in four seasons with the Expos, while Orsulak bats .227 for Montreal in 1997 before retiring at age 35.