I am getting the following codes, just bought a scanner. What to do, can the EGR be cleaned instead of replaced?
P0404 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Open Position Performance
P1414 Says something like "Emissions Controller"

The EGR valve can be removed and cleaned. Look for deposits around the seat & pintle, then clean. The pintle needs freedom to operate and shoudn't stick.
The EVAP system is trying to tell you something, not sure of that DTC 1414 though. You may have a vacum leak, or one of the valves in the evap sys are failing. Or gas cap is not holding vacum. Could be any number of things, but there'* a few ideas.

P 0404 = EGR System Performance
Will Set off a SES light

P 1414 = None existant. Sure it'* not a P 1404 or 1441?

EGR Valve Closed or EVAP System Flow Durning Non-Purge?

Forgot to mention, the car is stumbling out of the hole, especially cold. I am guessing the valve is stuck open and causing the poor performance?

Sounds like it'* sticking shut actually....the EGR also helps to warm the intake air....To warm the motor up quicklky.

Thanks for all the info so far. So will the EGR cause this performance problem, the hesitation? What if I just unplug it? Any pros / cons to that?

If you just unplug it'll give you a light.

Attempt the cleaning and use a fresh gasket. Also try plugging and unplugging the connector about 5 times.

Well ok, but what I mean is can unplugging it help with the hesitation and can it harm anything? I don't care if the check engine light is on for now....

I don't believe that disconnecting the EGR will have any affect on the hesitation, nor will it do harm to the engine, but I would restore to normal asap.

OK - I unplugged it as I don't have time to clean it yet. The hesitation went away completely

What does this indicate? Is is safe for the engine and emissions system to leave it unplugged? will cleaning the EGR still be worthwhile?