Has everyone forgotten my challenge to Aaron? I sure hope so because 2005 wasn't pretty for me, and 2006 looks worse.

Take a step back to 2003. Aaron likes Joe Mauer and Jeff Mathis; homey that I am, I prefer Guillermo Quiroz and Dioner Navarro. So from this modest difference of opinion a challenge arose. Who will have the most runs created during the period 2005-2008, Mauer and Mathis or Quiroz and Navarro?

Shall we start with the good news? Dioner Navarro arrived in LA late last year and played well, posting a .273/.351/.375 line, with 19 runs created. And that's it, on my side. Guillermo Quiroz had more health issues, and did not inspire confidence during his winter work.

Over on Aaron's side, the news was better. Joe Mauer hit .294/.372/.411 and created 81 runs. Maybe the Twins were right to select him over Prior, bonus demands aside. Jeff Mathis did not exactly set the minor league world afire in 2005, but the Angels thought enough of him to let Bengie Molina leave for northern climes.

I'd say that this was on the road to a whitewash, but with catchers, youneverknow.