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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STOP that RIDICULOUS infield overshift!

Frustrated Fan, NH

Two words: Toga party

eric

It's the curse. nothing can beat the curse. even if you bought the best players in baseball and assembled them on this wreched team, they'd still lose. there is nothing you can do, except root for another team. the red sox are a lost cause and that's the way it will be forever.

bubba, boston

NORMA, NORMA, NORMA ................ Where are you?

Cliff, Reading

If I were Terry Francona, I'd get Joe Torre on the phone and ask if he could let him move to the Bronx and wear pinstripes. The Yanks could always use an extra bullpen catcher.

Big Jay, New York

GET RID OF PEDRO AND HIS WHINING

Luis , Miami, Florida

I'd get Nomar to show up for all games and dress and sit on the bench a be a TEAM player. I'd bench the next person who used the word "I" when descibing anything about the TEAM, including himself. I remove a pitcher BEFORE THEY GAVE UP SEVEN RUNS, knowing my offense hasn't scored more than 6 in a while. GET A GRIP FRANCONA!! I'd Trade anyone for TODD WALKER, thank you! So much for defense up the middle. I'd assume that Nomar is NOT coming back any time soon and will NOT return with a bat in his hands, so I'd look to trade him as soon as possible, we need a BAT not a BABY and send a message to Pedro at the same time! If you want to be a .500 manager, go back to Philadelphia.

Jeff, Springfield

Pedro & Lowe NEED to Go

You said It, Boss Town

Well I think there are 2 problems. They need to school their players on how to move runners along. You don't necessarily have to bunt but when they have runners on base with nobody out or one out the batters' job is not necessarily to get a hit but to make contact and move the runner along. They are not doing it and this is leaving the batter that is up with 2 outs having to get a hit and this is certainly not happening. Secondly and most importantly the manager needs to establish himself as the boss. The players are walking all over him. He never argues a call with an umpire. Occasionally he "discusses" a call with them. I have a feeling as he walks away he apologizes to them. He needs to get tossed and take one for the team. He needs to stop the players from cruising around in small groups in private jets to get to the next town. It may make sense on paper but teams are not made this way. This only divides and builds walls. He needs to reprimand players such as Pedro leaving early or for Manny not running out a fly ball. He has to stop finding a rosy side to everything and justifying everything and why a player acted this way. The next thing you know a player is going to run through a stop sign at 3rd base and Terry is going to say that the player thought the coach was saying go. He missed that day in spring training. He's quickly losing this team.

Mike, Hampstead, NH

I'm a Yankee fan and love the NY/Boston rivalry. As Torre says, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Nixon and Nomar are hurt. You've won 6/7 from NY. Just keep doing what you are doing. Bats have cooled a bit, but they'll come back. Relax. You have a great team and Francona so far is doing everything right. Keep getting quality starts from your pitching and things will work out. I picture NY/Boston in the ALCS again. Awesome!!!!

Gary , Niskayuna, NY