Ask Nick: When will Sox get their compensation?

Fans still seem concerned about Boston's pitching depth. And gosh darn, there's a fellow from Colombia who still feels Ryan Sweeney is a comparable player to Fred Lynn. I don't think he's kidding.

Thank you to all of the nice people who came over to say hello at the Hot Stove Cool Music roundtable discussion on Monday, which concentrated on the divide between small market and large market teams. Epstein, Cherington, Pirates GM Neal Huntington, MLB Network's Sean Casey and Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson all did a pretty good job. Moderator Peter Gammons really kept the questions and dialogue flowing. And a lot of money was raised for Paul and Theo Epstein's Foundation to be Named Later, which does great work with underprivileged children in the Boston area.

Here's the bag:

Is Cody Ross a good player?
Alex, Washington, DC

I've always liked Ross' dirt dog style. He has holes in his swing, but I think he is an everyday player with decent power which should show up at Fenway especially. He obviously has a flare for the dramatic, as he showed in the 2010 postseason. Didn't have the best of years in 2011, but at $3 million this was one of those good value signings.

1. Fred Lynn was not that graceful. He had a strange stride. 2. Ryan Sweeney has power. He did not play in Fenway, which was the reason Lynn prospered with power. Out of Fenway, Lynn declined. 3. I think Sweeney is a much better center fielder than you credit him with. He also has a strong arm. Graceful? Sweeney is very athletic and seem to be able to do things Lynn could not do. Prior to 2011, no one thought Ellsbury had power. This season will tell. I am pleased that Cody Ross was added.
Vicente, Colombia, Calif

We're continuing a debate from the last time when I disagreed with your comparison of Ryan Sweeney to Fred Lynn. I disagree with you again. Lynn WAS graceful. I agree that outside of Fenway, Lynn wasn't as good of a player. But he had a nice long, productive career outside of Boston as well.