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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What should Francona do? Start by taking a few No-Doze before the game starts. Why was Ortiz still running at first base in the 9th instead of Crespo? If Manny had hit a gapper, and Ortiz thrown out at the plate, Francona's managerial career would have come to a sudden halt. And put Daubach back on the bench. Since he's been back, Gabe Kapler has disappeared, and so has Daubach's bat, which shouldn't have been unexpected. The Myth of Brian Daubach in Boston continues to amaze me. The glory days of '99 have been long since over once pitchers realized he has plenty of holes in his swing.

Jay, Cleveland, OH

This is just a temporary bump in the road, so there is no need to panic or make drastic changes. I liked the lineup change instituted last night by putting bellhorn in the 2 hole and dropping Mueller in the order. Bellhorn has been getting on base more, and Mueller did his most damage last season hitting lower in the order. He may feel more comfortable there. I would also drop Ortiz back to the 5 hole, where he thrived last season. It would also give Manny more protection. Until Nomar returns, I would then use Varitek in the 3 hole for the time being. Let's see if that shakes anything up.

Mark, Quincy

Frustrating as it is, it's only a slump and its only May. The Sox pitching is great. When the Sox get healthy, the bats will come around. The Red Sox will contend throughout the year.

John, Boston

Once again, the Sox show that they are the best team in baseball in April. Nothing you can do about it---at the end of the season, the Yankees will be on top, and the Sox will be left to ponder another season of what if's.

Charlie, West Milrord, NJ

Nothing is wrong. The pitching is still great (D Lowe got enough grouders last night to win, not his fault). The Sox could very well have been sliding like this much earlier, considering they beat the Yankees one game when thy were 0-18 with men in scoring position. They are missing two key hitters in the lineup and have survived to this point. Things will pick back up with Trot and Nomar's return, but until then the pitching is so good that they can still win a few games despite the fact that they have some very weak bats in the lineup, have no fear fellow Nation citizens, this is still the year!

James , Brooklyn, NY

last week when we crushed the yanks the common wiisdom was,its april! i think that still applies except. its may

j.d., vt.

they will bounce back. its early yet and they have a great team all around. and also when we get nomar back begining of june and trot back (hopefully soon) we will be a powerhouse. pedro needs to stop the contract comments and play ball. then we can just let him go at the end of the season , after we win the world series of course!

Joe, Worcester

What can he do? Give pep taks? Yell and scream? It is the players who have to be professionals and go out and earn all that money they claim they so richly deserve. The manager really can only make strategic and tactical decisions. The players have to decide they want to get the job done. Everyone has a bad day, or week. I am hoping this is just another skid in a long season and the ship will be righted soon.

Grady , Athens

Shake up the lineup a bit more than last night. Brian Daubach is NOT the answer. Move Ortiz down in the batting order and maybe move someone else into lead off. Maybe try bunting and the hit and run. Home runs are not the only way to score runs.

Clancy, Swanton, VT

give up.

Ron, Washington, DC