Talk about a June swoon. We can't think of two worse back-to-back losses than the ones the Red Sox suffered Tuesday and Wednesday nights, simply dreadful. Terry Francona seems to be making all the wrong decisions and players are fielding like they've got "Chico's Bail Bonds" ironed on the back of their jerseys.

To make matters worse, these losses were to the Yankees, and dropped Boston 7½ games behind New York in the AL East, the largest deficit since Grady Little's crew fell that low last August.

Things don't appear to be getting any better, either. The Sox were 11-14 in the month of June, and may have lost setup man Scott Williamson with an elbow injury Wednesday night.

The doctor isn't in, but feel free to sit on our couch and vent your feelings on the Sox. Can they turn this around? How? What are they doing wrong? Is this Francona's fault, or does the blame lie higher up the chain with Theo and the Trio? Or are the players to blame? Trade Nomar? Acquire a first baseman? Bring back Grady? It's open season ...

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Hold on everyone! Don't get tunnel vision. We are only half way through the season. They can still turn it around and they will.

SUE, BOSTON

Is there any chance Bill Belichick could become sports first two-sport coach? While we're at it, can he and Scott Pioli also manage the Celtics. Three weeks til' the start of football camp. . .three weeks til' the start of football camp. . .unbelievable.

John, Boston

All that can really be said for any of us is, it's pretty difficult rooting for this team. Games like this are in the back of our heads ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! And these are the reasons why we all think this team is cursed. Terry Francona needs to figure out how to get these bunch of lethargic bums playing baseball again, because for $120 million they are not earning their money. Another thing Francona, when you're in a 1 run game with the yankees and you got a catcher at first with no outs and your #9 hitter at the plate, Hey Terry! DROP A BUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This team is not hitting in the clutch so rather than sit there and wait for them to start hitting why don't you TRY AND WIN SOME GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!

Bones, Chicago

toughest loss of the season... no doubt about that. And for Timlin (who is one of my favorite players) to say "it pisses me off when people don't have faith in my team"...hey Mike, there isn't anything at all right now, that Red Sox fans have to be happy about. And the fact that we take this game so seriously is THE REASON why people like Schilling and Foulke want to plaly here, so don't get mad when we get mad...we put alot of emotion and energy into this team, and for my lifetime, it has all been for not.

peter, dennis

In years past, last night's game would've eaten me up inside. After Ortiz's error, I just laughed, turned off the TV, and went to reading my book. I knew it was over at that point. Sure enough, I wake up this morning....Yanks win 4-2. These guys suck. Francona is not the man for this team. They need another Dick Williams from '67. They are playing like their manager's personality.....they are in a FranCOMA. Go Pats!

Ray, New Hampshire

As a Yankees fan, I felt very excited about the off-season acquisitions of my team. But the biggest move, the one that excited me the most, the one that I knew was going to put the Yankees over the top, was the announcement of Terry Francona as Red Sox skipper. After his lackluster tenure as Phillies manager, where the inmates ran the asylum, where discipline was a four-letter word, and his game management was on par with Little League, I was stunned that an organization such as the red Sox, so intent on winning, selected him. I guess in an age where we bend to the will of the athlete, it was more important to get Schilling than a manager that could handle a group of misfits and stars, and win the AL East. Thank you Thoe Epstein!

Rafael, New Jersey

Don't panic faithful! Its still early! The Yankees are on a roll right now, and we're not..but the tables will turn soo..However, having said THAT..young Theo needs to go out and get some players to shake things up....a second or third tier first baseman that wouldn't cost much, like Tino Martinez, FredMcGriff, J.TSnow...Someone that can play the position, and make Ortiz a DH, permanently. They also need better bench support..like Robin Ventura, or Todd Ziele. Come on Theo! Shake it up!..

Tony, Dallas,TX

did anyone give a thought of how great the line-up was before the "great" nomar returned? it's getting hard to be around friends in new jersey and be a sox fan

m. mcsweeney, manahawkin new jersey

Although many say that Nomar to the Yankees next year to play second base is a "done deal", I wouldn't be so fast to bet on it, especially with his recent play in the field in front of the Yankee scouts. Remember, Soriano is a free agent after next year and I would bet "dollars to doughnuts" that its Soriano back in pinstripes instead of an aging and deteriorating Garciaparra.

Frankie , Mystic

Sit Millar, I'd rather see McCarthy at first base, at least he can field. Garciaparra has to grow up and start playing like he cares, stop pouting. I don't know what it takes to straighten Lowe out, a real head case. Does not look good at all

jack, franklin