The Red Sox dropped their fifth straight game Wednesday night, dropping into a tie with the Yankees for first place in the AL East. A week ago, they led the Bombers by 4½ games!

They've been sloppy in the field, slumping at the plate and Pedro's whining again. So what can Terry Francona and Co. do to right the ship? Is this just a temporary snap, or in the Sox in serious trouble? Give us your take on Boston's woes, and what you think they can do to get back on track.

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I don't think it's any coincidence that a six game winning streak has turned into a 5 game losing streak as soon as one of the "key players" put himself above the team and whined about no respect. I think they'll bounce back fine, but should trade Pedro before he continues disrupting the clubhouse.

David , Portland

Pedro is a cancer, and his comments last Friday sent a shock through the team's psyche. This is a case of addition by subtraction. Terry Glenn was the most talented player on the New England Patriots, and letting him go was genius. Pedro is a distraction, and his "me-first" attitude has got to go. Get prospects, and use the money towards the other 4.

Brian, Chicago

look at the BA with runners in scoring position and you know whats wrong. =ps daubach hitting fifith?

rafelon

They'll come around. It's the most frustrating thing in baseball to see all of these runners left on base, but everyone take a deep breath, they'll come out of it. The players won't admit it, but I do really think that their schedule from the last ten days has worn on them in a major way. Of course, getting Nomar and Trot back in the lineup would do a world of good, but everyone just has to be patient. The ninth inning last night was a very, very good sign that they're starting to come out of it.

AJ, Somerville

Terry Francona and Co. can't do much to 'right the ship' when the 'ship' isn't 'right' to begin with. With the Red Sox, as has been proven throughout the decades, it does not matter how much talent your 'ship' has - if players don't let go of unhealthy egos, there will never be room for "chemistry" on the team - a much-needed, NECESSARY component in many sports. A postive, healthy chemistry can carry them through the ups and downs of playing competitive, professional sports. Let's face it, it only takes one or two bad apples to upset this chemistry. Until they put their selfishness aside and get back to doing what's best for their 'team' and their goals, this ship ain't going nowhere.

Marie, Boston

Everyone should just chill out. What a difference a week makes! 5 days ago we are all talking about winning it all and now its all doom and gloom. Its May. There are still over 100 games to go. Every team slumps. We all had a great laugh about the Yankees' troubles and they seem to be over the worst. It may get worse but it WILL get better. Leave Pedro alone. He's a winner, end of story. To be in first place without Nomar and Trot was more than anyone expected, so now we are looking at things a little more realistically. We have the best chance to go all the way than we have in years, that is still the case and will still be the case (barring a complete meltdown) come October. I am booking my flights for October now, I'll have a beer with all the doubters after we win it all.

Paul , Bath, UK

Pitching's been great - both starting and from the 'pen (how about DiNardo, huh?). Sox need ABs and hits; so like what Tito did last night moving Mueller to 8th, Bellhorn to 2nd - since he's been getting on-base so much, especially on BBs. Now, sit down Ortiz for a game, move Daubach to 1st, Kapler to right - have Varitek hit in 3-hole, move Daubach to 6, Millar to 5, and Kapler to 7. And try to get Mirabelli in as DH against alefty, too, in the 5 spot. Also, next lefty the Sox face, sit Mueller down, have Kapler play 3rd. Maybe drop a pitcher to the PawSox (Malaska?), go with 11 in the 'pen, add Andy Dominique - tearing up the IL now! - for another bat, plus he plays C-3B-RF! Not a bad combo to have around!

Jay, Stoughton

NOMAR & TROTT!!! Sorry folks! Kapler, McCarty, Daubach, Crespo are not every day Major League Baseball Players! They are good utility guy's and I am confident they would play that role well. Bunting more often (with the poor offense) would have increases your poor average with men on base! I respect that bunting may not be as neccessary when Nomar & Trott are back! P.S. Pedro, If you feel you need to ask for respect, it probably means you do not deserve any! (And I am one of your fans!)

Chris , Dighton

Terry Francona needs to step up and be a man. He should have a rotation of Kim, Arroyo, Lowe, Schilling, and Wakefield. If Pedro wants to whine about his salary, let him. The rest of the team can perform on the field. After all he was staked to a 5-2 lead in Game 7 and couldn't hold it....This and his performance in Game 3 are no doubt two huge factors for the Red Sox unwillingness to overpay for him...Get rid of this clown!

Scott , Wallingford

Frank, we are not talking about losing a few games. We are talking about losing 5 straight games, including a sweep by the RANGERS!! I don't care what kind of fan you are, if you're not nauseous from their recent performance then you really don't care. It is painful to see someone you love (in this case, a ballclub) in a downward spiral of self-destruction. Yes we should get behind them as fans, and hope for a quick recovery, but the logistics of this slump MUST be analyzed and dealt with NOW if you still want to be watching the sox in October.

Craig, Norman OK