GRADING THE GUARANTEES

I'm not a big fan of trash talk. I prefer seeing people settling things on the field. And if someone is talking big, I feel like the best way to shut them up is to beat them good on the field.

You may remember earlier this year, when Carlos Beltran opened his mouth, and offered the idea that the Mets would be atop the division at the end of 2008. A little less than halfway through the year, you might be surprised that the only person really backing up their claims at the start of the year is Ryan Dempster.

Carlos Beltran, New York Mets - Proclaimed the Mets as the 'team to beat' in the National League East, making a specific reference to the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins, who made the same prediction about Philadelphia a year ago.

HOW'S THAT WORKING OUT? Mets are 37-37, 3 games behind said Phillies.
Beltran is hitting .276, with 10 HR, 48 RBI, and 10 SB.

Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies - After accusing Beltran of plagiarism (with his tongue in his cheek), Rollins pronounced that the Phillies can win 100 games this year. Granted, it's a far cry from his declaration a year ago, but it's something.

HOW'S THAT WORKING OUT? Phillies are 42-35, 1 game in front of the Marlins, not quite on pace for 100 wins, Rollins is hitting .278, with 6 HR, 25 RBI, and 15 SB.

Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs - Guaranteed the Cubs would break their 100-year World Series championship drought in 2008.

HOW'S THAT WORKING OUT? The Cubs are 47-28, best in the majors, and Dempster is 8-2 with a 2.76 ERA. He has 81 strikeouts in 94.2 innings pitched.