KevHead0881

#1 bad thing about small crowds: You can hear almost everybody, especially the couple yahoos that insist on being heard on television; thus we have this dude piercing through my TV today. Respectfully, Fred Manrique

1-0 Sox!!!

But, by that logic, that would make Valentin a great defensive shortstop. He's got a strong arm and great range. I'd say that as an outfielder, most of Vlad's errors aren't just dropping the ball. I'd be willing to bet that most of his errors are throwing errors (as is with most outfielders). And like that hot dog on the north side, Vlad isn't known for hitting the cut-off man. Either way, an error is another word for a "fielding gaffe", or mistake if you will. And many times errors cost teams runs (I refer you back to our boy Jose). His totals are also much higher than any year Carlos Lee has had, and CLee's fielding use to be comical. I'm not saying that Maggs is as good as Vlad. I'm just saying that the difference isn't big enough to say that Maggs isn't worth close to Vlad money. And I don't even think there is much to argue about here. Maggs is a great player and means a ton to this organization. It will look aweful if we end up losing him no matter how much he asks for, and 90% of Sox fans will s*** a brick if he goes. Sincerely, Bill Long

In regards to the original post, I'd have to agree with Rowand44 on the defensive standpoint. Vlad has got a cannon for an arm, but I think he led all MLB outfielders in errors last year. Since 1997 he has error totals of 12, 17, 19, 10, 12, 10 and 7. This is so bad that I'd go as far to go completely the other way and say that Maggs is a much better fielder than Vlad. Offensively, Vlad has the edge on most categories, but not by a whole lot. And Maggs's biggest vice (grounding into double plays) isn't necessarily Vlads strongest point either. Ultimately, I think Vlad is better, but not by enough to make a big deal about the money issue. I personally would hold onto the extra money that we're throwing at him and just give him the extra freaking year that he wants, but what do I know. Overall, Maggs is worth almost as much as Vlad. Cordially, Micah Bowie

I think Pauly has more hits this season than he had the entire first half of last season.

Hey, DonkeyKongerko, is your sig from the Nintendo game R.B.I. Baseball? That looks so familiar.

I've been stuck at work all day and watching the game on sportsline. Has Jon been close or has he been all over the place? By the way, you can put me down as the charter member in the Timo Fan Club!

Way to go Maggs!!!

I see Alomar is starting today. I'm still curious to see how much they plan on using him. I'm thinking that any more than twice a week is too much.

If the 2000 season taught us anyting, it's that we sure could use a nice all-out brawl to start the season (ala the Detroit game). I wouldn't mind seeing Maggs bring out that karate kick again. Then again, there is no Robert Fick, so what fun would that be?

Gotta love the Arrogant Bastard. Wore my Sox jersey to work today, which just so happens to be 98% filled with Cub fans. The few, the proud I guess. :fthecubs

Can't wait to get home from work early today, pop open a Colt .45, take a seat next to my Armando Rios bobble-head doll, and listen to Hawk once again (you can take or leave DJ).

Does this mean we can't call him "Mr. Zero"?

A shutout is especially good when it's done by your probable 3, 4 and 5 starters. And Rick Sutcliffe said we have no talent...What a tool! Cautiously Optimistic

How many regulars did the Rockies play today? I realize that it's only the first games, but I can't remember the last time the Sox pitched well in Spring Training. I think we gave up about 12 runs a game in 2002.

Aaahh. Mario Valenzuela, a.k.a. Mr. Spring Training!

Thomsonmi, so this is how you pass the time at work. Nice job keeping us all up to date. Nice to see Garland pitching well. I for one think he might be the key to the season (as Ozzie likes to say). If he pitches well, we'll have a solid 1-2-3 in the rotation. Now, as far as the 4 and 5 starters, well....