The great thing about pro sports is the idea of “next year.” It allows for an amnestic approach to following your team. And that’s okay for the fans… but not so much for the players. Take the Mets’ Carlos Beltran. He experienced heartache when his team collapsed towards the end of the year, giving the NL East title to the Phillies. So what is he doing calling out the Phils, telling them the Mets are a lock for the title this year because Johan Santana joined the team? It’s just going to get a lot of people in Queens mad.

Even Carlos Beltran, one of the most mild-mannered players on the roster, is saying it: The Mets will avenge last September’s collapse to the Phillies.

“With [Santana], I have no doubt we’re going to win our division. I have no doubt about that,” said Beltran on Saturday. “So, this year, tell [Phillies shortstop] Jimmy Rollins we are the team to beat.”

We understand being confident about your team, but why tempt fate? That’s the kind of shit that leads to Santana slipping on a banana peel going up a flight of steps while caring a box of glass… or, losing a division lead in the last 17 games of the season.

Santana’s mere presence giving the Mets confidence [ESPN]
Image [ESPN]