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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I've been a Red Sox fan since 1950 when Walt Dropo was "Rookie of the Year." Someone once asked me a few months ago what was the worst thing that has happened to me as a Red Sox fan. I replies, " Hands down, the lack of signing Alex Rodriguez.." The Red Sox had six weeks to work that deal out and the entire baseball world knew the deal was in the works. Failure to sign him has resulted in a simply disasterous season. Sure, Manny wouid not have been with the club this season, but we would have had solid defense and perhaps equal offense. Now for the manager, Terry Francona. I'm so tired of him not making his players accountable. he came with the reputation of being soft, soft, soft and certainly has lived up to that reputation. Obviously, he does not have the respect of his players and is not the type of manager to lead this team to a World Series title. I'm not saying we need a tyrant, but we certainly need someone who commands respect. Players are human and need to know what is expected of them both on and off the field. If the manager cannot convey that message, he should be fired...and fast!

Mal , West Hartford, CT

It is tough being a Red Sox fan in NYC and the Terry Francona does not make it any easier. I do not care how well Millar has hit Leiber in the past....he stinks. I have finally had it with Nomar and his defense or lack there of. He does not want to play here any more let him go...I am ready to call it a year unless they shake things up big time.

Marc, New York

Those who can't remember history are doomed to repeat it. Too bad Boy Wonder GM and the "Trio" aren't more into history...the history of baseball that is. Defense and pitching win games. Mix in a little creative offense (hit/run, stealan occasional base) and you have something. The Red Sox treat defense like someone with leporsy. David Ortiz is a tremendous DH. Last night he should not have been in there at that point in the game. The Red Sox philosophy seems to be tthe lack of defense will somehow be offset by offensive contributions. The only thing more offensive ithan that approach s that the team with MLBs highest ticket prices is barely ahead of Tampa. Bay Come on Theo, wake up. If Tito is the answer than we have a lot more unanswred questions. Signed: Wait Until Next Year Guy

Mark , Miami, Florida

Fire Francona. If you need to blame the recent slump on anyone you blame it on the coach. How about teach them how to play some defense, practice, go back to basics, they looke like a Little League Team out there. Can we bunt at all? Wait, guy on second Derek Jeter who is batting .400 in the month of June bunts. Guess what the Yankees win games. Trade Millar. He is horrible. Just because he is a "clubhouse guy" he is on the team, he can't do anything. How about a coach that actaully coaches? Its almost too frustrating to watch, you just know they are gonig to lose.

Randy, Worcester

There's always next year.

John, Londonderry

This team is GARBAGE. There is plenty of time left and all, but I guarantee that no championship team in the history of baseball have endured a stretch this bad. Who would have thought that the team would get worse when Blomar got back? Theo needs to trade him immediately before he sabotages the entire season. Pretty funny they had a show the other night that debated who was better, Nomar or Jeter? HAHAHA. Thank god for the Patriots, a REAL team with heart and a LEADER. Francona is the worst manager in recent history, and he needs to be canned. PLEASE Theo, do what the fans want and the players NEED and FIRE FRANCONA. At least Grady put a strong season together.

Depressed, Swampscott

HAHAHAHA Moneyball. Theo 'I've never played a game of Pro Ball in my Life' Epstein needs to put down the guitar and computer and learn to put together a team that is fundamentally sound. Run, bunt, play defense...etc. Expecations can kill a team. Time to face the facts that this team over acheived last year and this is what they really are.

Rob, Quincy, MA

Red Sox you broke my heart one time too many

Mike, Malden

We are, as usual, watching the Sox season slip away. '86 was a very painful experience. The Sox were within one strike, one out, one pop-up of winning it all and they couldn't punch their ticket. Last year drained the last hopes I had for these poor slobs. I really feel sorry for diehard fans because they're going to die; hard. I am one of those die hard fans, and hope things go well, but we've seen it all before.

Mike, Boston

The following things need to stop: Titi coddling his players, Nomar not taking responsibility for his play, Players talking about luck and such. THis is fundamentals gentleman - and a thrown gatorade cooler would make me feel a whole lot better. God bless TIm Wakefield!

ELLEN , new milford, CT