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 think Francona had the right idea last night by switching up the lineup––you can believe me or not, but I said after G1 vs. Cleveland he should bat Bellhorn 2nd with all the walks he's getting, he should play McCarty once in a while, and he should bat Varitek 5th over Daubach. The Sox' problem is they're scoring too little, too late. Obviously if Mueller hadn't made those errors the Sox probably would have won G2, but he's usually solid defensively and him having 2 errors in an inning is not going to happen often. They're just on a slide--they need to stop giving up so many first-inning runs and find a way to drive in runners in scoring position. I suggest trying Manny 3rd and Ortiz 4th. Play Kapler once in a while too.

Max, St. Louis (native of Boston)

I would make a few changes in the batting order. Move Jason V to the 3rd spot in the batting order, move Dave O to the 5th spot. I would then switch Bill M and Mark B in the batting order. Moving Jason to 3rd because he is the hottest hitter right now and can drive in Damon and Bellhorn. Swicthing Bellhorn and Bill M because Bellhorn's OBP is great right now and Bill M isn't doing much and the move might take the pressure off and get him better pitches to hit.

Kevin, Baltimore MD

Terry is in over his head. His days are numbered anyway he looks at em. Best thing for him to do is to do the best at his job that he can. Trying to tell very highly paid players what to do is a losing battle. Ride it out and bank his earnings, saving for the time when the termination comes.

jonny , chelsea

Boston has shown a disdain of playing 'small ball' (bunting, running, hit and run, squeeze plays, etc) yet, their pitching staff has still been stellar during the five game skid (Arroyo - 2 runs, Wakefield - 2 runs, Shilling - 2 runs). Obviously, 4 runs are going to win many games for the Sox (they would now be at least 2-3 over that stretch if not 3-2). If I am the Red Sox, I show a fundamental change in style, and make sure that guys in the middle to bottom of the order know how to bunt! Even David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. If it is the bottom of the 9th with a runner on 3rd and 1 out in a tie game, Manny lays one down on my team. Early in the season, a similar situation presented itself, yet, nothing. That's just fundamental baseball. The Red Sox can win games playing a more national league style right now. With Nomar and Trot back in the lineup, you may have more firepower, so, it can be re-evaluated then, but for now, get the win.

Scott , Dalton

If I were Francona; I would accept the fate of a 3rd place finish in the AL East this year.

Ken, NYC

Hey! How about stealing some bases!! Reese, Kapler, Damon all have wheels. Take advantage of the Indians young catcher who has thrown out 1 in the last 30 something base stealers!!! Take advantage of the opposing teams weaknesses. All those boys in scoring position at second are not going anywhere but back to the dugout! Go BoSox!!!!!!

MOJO, Austin, Tx

I think the Red Sox need to consider options for getting more bats in the line up. I know that they are struggling mainly due to the absense for Trot and Nomar, but there needs to be a short term fix. The Red Sox brass needs to see what options they have out there in the marketplace for another bat to add to the line-up. Possibly look at trading some utility players for some much needed offense.

Ben, Clinton,MA

Let Pedro walk at the end of the year, or better yet trade him, not once has he said he appreciates anything, he talks about a lack of respect from ownership and fans, $17.5 million sure doesn't look like lack of respect to me. I would focus on Nomar and Tek getting resigned as soon as possible, and why not go after Matt Morris after the season. My last concern is Johnny Damon's arm, it is just downright terrible, I say get a guy like Carlos Beltran who puts up better offensive numbers, and a better arm and can get to just as many balls in center. As for now, its just time to wait, wait til Nomar and Trot get back, but I would like to see the sox Steal a few more bases, seems they don't really use the speed of Reese and Damon to they're advantage as much as they should.

chris, lakeville, MA

Trade Pedro for some hitting like Magglio Ordonez or Carlos Beltran!

Eric , New York? NY

Why are all you complaing about what these guys want for $$$? It's the stupid system that the fans have allowed to go on for all these years that has let these greedy players ask for this much money. It's your own fault.

BostonResident, Boston