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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Ok everyone, I think it is officially time to calm down a little. Yeah, those were some terrible losses, but I seem to remember a time in April when this team looked like it was on top of the world, and the Yankees were "the worst team in baseball." Can't we just watch games and try to enjoy the season a little? What did you all expect, an easy walk to the World Series? I'm as big a Sox fan as anyone and was terribly upset at last year's result, but the fact is we as fans can't change anything and have no real effect on the outcome of any game. Don't make the Red Sox your life, and just root for them and hope they win and start playing better. We're keeping Nomar, we're keeping Francona, and the team will turn it around. And if it doesn't, then there's always next year. I'd think you would all be used to that by now anyway.

Jay, Brookline

This team is not underachieving they're playing to their ability---and have a manager in Francona, who at best is mediocre. Francona compared to other managers in the league and especially his division is overmatched ( Torre, Mazzilli, Piniella). This is a team made up of many role players, some who overachieved last season (Millar and Kapler even Ortiz) and some who are new to the team this year(bellhorn, crespo). Last season resulted in a unique chemistry of role players combined with a lot of luck that the key players stayed away from the disabled list. How does Red Sox Upper management and their fans expect sustained consistency and success when they keep interchanging players---they don't have an everyday 1st baseman--should be Ortiz; don't have an everyday 3rd baseman--should be Youkilis until Mueller returns; No clear cut DH--should be Youkilis once Mueller returns. Sorry for the let down Sox fans, but you guys went into this season with very unrealistic expectations ( and some unexpected injuries) but other than a good pitching staff (starters and pen), this team is just average. Cheer up!! The Pats start training camp in a few weeks.

Yankees fan, Woburn

With the team leading the league in errors and hitting under .150 with men in scoring position, I don't think this team has any hope. I I know I should stand by the team when times are tough, but after 36 years, it has just become too painful. And too predictable!! I'm voting with my feet. I'm done.

Bill, Los Angeles

Fire Francona. Go out quickl.y and buy a big bat. They missed badly with Beltran.

Jon Smet, Van Nuys, CA

How about bunting in a run once in a while? Why is that rocket science to this team, one wonders?? Bases loaded, a 2-0 lead, and no one out, and these guys decide to start swinging for the fences to do...what? Send a message to the Yankees? They did do that at least. The message is that this team is becoming a bad joke.

Arthur K, Arlington

I've always loved the Red Sox and have suffered with everyone else year after year as Pennant Fever turns into heartburn. It makes me sick that the players are paid so much money to do a job and then don't do it. Fans continue to pay big ticket prices and continue to support the team. Maybe they should start deducting from their paychecks everytime they lose a game. In most businesses, those who don't do their jobs are fired.

Judy, Bemidji, MN

Message for the "ever optimistic" out there: You are either: 1-not originally from NE..2- Still in diapers..3- blind..4- just started watching baseball yesterday..5-drunk.. I'm not sure how to put it...it is NOT happening this year. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck...it's a duck. Or, in this case...another typical Sox season.

Nomah, Boston

Did it ever dawn on both Boston fans and media that this team was a tad over-rated to start.Six players last year had career years. You can't expect that to happen every year.And last year they were not phenomenalwith the glove. So......

Jerry , West Chatham,Ma.

I've been a Sox fan from the first time my dad took me to a game in 1946. I, like all Sox fans have gone through a lot of pain over the years, but as a true fan I will never give up on them. It may not be this year, although I wish it were, but it will come and when it does it will be that much sweeter. Dig down deep Sox and get the pride working to turn this around. GO SOX

Mike, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

OK I know I shouldn't be here being a member of the "Evil Empire" and all but I am so deal with it! I take daily pot-shots for my unabashed support of my team. But, I am willing to accept it. Honestly, I do relish the Red Sox Yankees rivalry there is none like it anywhere else in the Universe I'm sure. Back in April when the Sox so handily dispatched the Yanks, I started to consider that maybe this was indeed the year that the Sox pulled it together. I congratualted the myriad members of the Nation i work with and went about my business. As a Yankees fan I have learned that having the cash to build a team full of the best talent will not alone guarantee a World Series title. A manager with the people skills to forge a TEAM is much more important. Case in point look at what happened in last years World Series. However, I would argue that the Yanks might have been just spent from the ALCS, but thats another argument. That said I don't think Terry Francona is the man for the Sox. Is there anyone else out there of the Joe Torre school? Another question I have of Sox management is this: Why ever did you alienate Nomar as you did? This man is the heart and soul of the Boston team! Even as a Yankees fan I love watching him play when he is happy. He has fire and a passion that are addicting! You should have taken a page from "The Bosses" book, If you want the best player in the game go get him and make him play third! Don't try to build a championship team at the expense of the teams soul! The Yankee's 80's era should be evidence of what happens when you do! I do hope the Sox can put it all together one day...but think this is not your year...sorry

Robert, Leominster