HOUSTON — Whenever someone recognizes Cliff Floyd in the New York area and opens with, “I have to know…,” the former Mets outfielder-first baseman performs the retired player’s version of cutting off a relay throw.

“I know,” Floyd will say, “you’re wondering if Willie should’ve bunted instead of pinch-hit me. He didn’t. Why are you driving yourself crazy?”

“I just had to know,” the response will be. 

“Then,” Floyd explained, wrapping up his anecdote, “they buy me a beer.”