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 ...

Page 4

What frustrations? It is so enjoyable watching the red Sox get spanked again by the most storied baseball team in history. Face it, Boston is simply an inferior city and team to NY. The Sox are loaded with players who simply don't get the job done when needed (ie. Millar, Nomar, etc) Now lowly Tampa Bay is only 3 1/2 games behind the Red Sox. Just wait until Nomar and Trot come back from the DL. Oh yeh, they already are and the Sux still blow! Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Northshore, Boxford

They never should have gotten rid of Grady Little. He would never make the same mistake twice. And, oh yeah, despite his error last night, Ortiz still rules!!

Gerry, Concord

Well, "Nation" fans, it looks like it's time to bring in the dog, put out the cat, lock the back door and kiss the wife goodnight, because once again, this party is over. The bottom line is the Sox are an overrated, underachieving, defensively deficient, one dimensional team, while the Bronx Bombers are simply superior in every facet of the game. (And PLEASE, enough of this "Nomaah's bettah" stuff, because Jeter is so superior, it's not debatable). When will you learn the season isn't over in April? When will you learn the lessons of a century of near-misses, heart wrenching losses and total blowouts? What will this be, 86 or 87 years? One tends to lose track after a while. In the meantime, I'll simply go down to the "Canyon of Heros" today and pick out my spot for this years parade to celebrate title # 27!!

Bob , Stamford, CT

Nomar: a BIG disappointment

bobo

Enough already! Can't wait till the July trading deadline... Time is now to react to the team with the second highest payrolls dive. Kevin Millar, sit or go elsewhere. Nomar your attitude is awful, ask to be traded, but don't take your frustartions out on the Nation, and I always thought you were a team player. Manny you are the cement that hold this team together, I really believe that now. Sign Pedro, and Tek, the rest get what you can Theo. Theo you get an "A" it's nothing you did or failed to do. Francona, wake up, we are tired of your optimistic attitude in the face of disaster . You never have had any control so now is the time or you should go also. Did I mention I have been a member of Red Sox Nation for 57 years.

Phil , Chciopee

What's everybody so upset about? The Sox are only 7 1/2 games out and they've done it without Burkes, Kim and Mendoza. Just wait until they come back!!!

John , Uncasville, CT

Fran"coma" is a loser. He has no passion, he is not a leader. He will be gone at the end of the year.

Bob

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....next stop tobin bridge!

mcj, wenham

Let's not put all the blame on Francona. Let's go back to when Theo & the Trio were too cheap to acquire A-Rod. If we had him, our defense would be much better and probably offense too. And NY would be weaker w/o him. Face it-NY did what it had to do to fill a hole at 3B, and it's paying big dividends now. The Red Sox will have to spend much more than the $12 mil extra they needed to sign A-Rod.

Gary , Niskayuna, NY

It looks like Nomar has once again blundered in his contract negotiations. His performance is still on the decline from last year. He should have take the $16 mil when he had the chance. Instead, greed has dominated once again. By the looks lof the whole team, I would expect that will will see alot of new faces next year. Even a new manager??? I wonder if Grady would come back?

Joe B, Reading