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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As I watched my beloved Red Sox get pummeled by the Evil Empire in game, then watch their Buckner-like defense implode, it has become clear that we are NOT in a pennant race but in a battle for the wild card. The Bombers outplayed, out-executed, out-hit, out-fielded, out-ran, out-scored, out-classed and out-MANAGED these under-achieving imposters. Errors, unearned runs, LOBs, zippo in the clutch hit department is spelling disaster. Here's the cure: Francona has got to go! He says all the right things but his managerial execution isn't even up to par with Grady and his players are unprepared and lethargic. Go get Piniella! Sad to say but Nomah has gotta go! He plays with no heart now, no emotion and is defensive (except with his glove) when interviewed. It's clear he's got a LOT of bad blood with Sox execs. A trade to LA or Anaheim should be worked because when the season is ova, he's walking. Millar's "Cowboy Up" act" was cute last year but this year he's playing like a rodeo clown. No speed, no defense and his bat freezes up when there's a runner in scoring position. This flash-in-the-pan needs to be in Pawtucket, on the bench or dealt back to Japan. Go get Delgado! Lowe plainly sucks and his head case antics have gotten stale. Trade him to the Rockies for Jennings or Shacon. You better sign Varitek or there'll be hell to pay. Keep evaluating Pedro and if he continues to do well, they should sign him as well. 6 1/2 back and playing .500 ball in May/June ain't gonna cut it. Heck, they may fall to third behind the red-hot DRays. RSN is starting to feel that sinking feeling AGAIN and if the brain(dead) trust doesn't start making some improvements FAST--they'll be out of it by the All Star game.

Mark , Aurora, CO

To me, it all comes down the the A-Rod debacle. The mgmt took to lightly the negative ramifications (ie, resentment toward mgmt and other players) in the dugout and play of hte players of not "pulling the trigger" on the trade. Had they made the trade, A-Rod would be a hero in beantown, Maggie would be hitting well and we wouldn't be discussing Nomar or Manny. Certainly, A-Rod and Maggie wouldn't be making the errors we've seen from Nomar and Manny. Maybe, Millar would be hitting and not feeling like such a fool for stating his preference for A-Rod.

Peter, Austin, TX

I don't know what the Sox are doing. It seems that since Nomar has come back, everything has gone to s**t. They are playing like a bunch of 12 year old girls. Thank god I am not in Boston right now to have this in my face every second of the day. The season isn't over yet, but if the rest of it will be like this - I can't take it.

CK, Denver, CO

Three words: Francona is awful.

Jesse, Dorchester

With the exception of Giambi, all of the Yankees look like professionals, play hard on every at-bat and every out, and get the job done. The Red Sox look like a bunch of slobs, take plays off, and find a way to lose. That being said, I can still recall in April all the perdictions that the division race was over when the Sox were up by 4 games, so you never know. Boston isn't done yet. Maybe a trip to the barber shop might help!

Mike , Union

So what's new. Been a Sox fan since 1949. Same old story. At least my son has it made because he became a Yankee fan a few years ago. "Sorry Dad, you know I love you, but ... " He had the good fortune to marry a gal who came from a long-time Yankee fan family. He is now very happy, well-adjusted, loves his wife and is making a fortune betting on the Yankees.

John , BristolCT

The blame game is on, WEEI is just slamming everybody, what is the real problem here? It's time for management to put or shut up!! This team is built for the playoffs, well Larry, you have to get there 1st! Go get RJ before the the EVIL EMPIRE gets him ! Then again "who cares"! Right Larry..Do us a favor, don't do anymore interviews, the sox nation is pissed right now...do something now...that's right, the panic button is broken!!

Barry, Oakdale, Ct

Wow...remember back in April when everyone thought the seasons was all over, the Sox would win it all? What a difference time can make. Let's face it, if this is the last gasp by the Red Sox for a race at the world sereies, and they are floundering by the trade deadline, it's time to think of the future. Get rid of the big names (Pedro, Nomar and if anyone'll take him, Manny) and go for young talent and try and win it in a few years. 2004 might already be over....

Mike, Waltham

there are instances when something just turns you off as a fan, this game was it. i new, and not as a negative fan, what the ending was going to be. this team lacks heart, professionalism,urgency, and desire. this is my preception. the organization is second class, from top to bottom compared to the dreaded yankees. one does not own a team to battle the yankees head to head, only to run it as a business. they (yankees)have an incredible desire to"just win".no excuses, play hard and be accountable. perform, or else they'll get someone who will. there is a cancer in the club house, and i believe it is nomar. actions and body language speak louder than words.if the sox truly want to win a championship,the organization should put up, or shut up. the passion of the sox fan to win, far exceeds that of the owners, and players this year more than any. just look 180 miles south,down 95, and you'll see how and why winning is what matters...

john, scottsdale

Ortiz, as great as he is, has no business on the field. The most egregious play was on 'Nomar's" error. Ortiz didn't stretch at all. Even a half-decent stretch means he probably catches the ball on the fly. But he stood, both feet on bag, never extending his arm. This is little league stuff.

David, Durham