K-Rod Won't Back Down

In today's Newsday, K-Rod reaffirms his belief that the Mets will give the Phildadelphia club a run for their money.

Some quotes from the new Mets closer:

"This is a different year, a different ballclub now. We've just got to go out and compete. Like I said before, I don't want to make no controversy. But with this ballclub, the way I see it, with those guys, me and J.J. Putz and the other acquisitions in the bullpen, I think now I feel like we're the team to beat."

On the Mets acquiring him:

"I think one of the reasons they brought me in is because obviously what happened the last two years. I don't feel like the only weight is on my shoulders at all. Of course I'm going to do my best to help that ballclub to get to the postseason and to a championship game. We've got to go step by step."

I don't normally subscribe to 'Trash Talk'. In fact, I'm a firm believer that the talking should be done on the field. That being said, with someone like K-Rod, it isn't forced; he truly believes what he says. In a bold announcement similar to predictions of Joe Namath and Mark Messier, it is natural with K-Rod. He does believe it. Last year's predicition from Carlos Beltran seemed forced and un-natural. K-Rods words are as cocky and brash as this young closer, and I find it more palatable than Beltran's comments from last spring.