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 9

Stick a fork in them--they're done!

CHARLES , east windsor

Oh my gohd.....The Devil Rays are on our tail.

Bernie, Tampa, FL

Why was Mirabelli on 3rd base with one out? Where is the pinch runner? What is Francona doing? I want Grady back.

Jduncan, melbourne, fl

I just fail to understand how a team with (arguably) as much talant as any team in the Majors can have such a deplorable record...shooting .500 ball half way through the season is NOT a recipe for sucsess in October and I would hope that the brass is working on a plan. Personal thoughts RE Nomar. If the guy isn't performing take him out of that position for a bit, not as punishment, as a way to ensure your team has the best lineup to WIN. UGGH this is irritating once again this year!

Timothy, Newton

I used to watch Ted Williams in Redsocks Park years ago. He was a very patient hitter. He and Whitty Ford used to have prodigious encounters as to who would win their dual. Williams sometimes would just keep hanging in there fouling off pitches until he got one he wanted. Patience and perserverance and heart. Boston has 10 more games with the Yankees this season. They have a lot of spirit and can address their fielding errors. Just as at Valley Forge, "these are times that try men's souls". So get behind the team and give them your encouragement. They do better with encouragment behind them. If you weren't there to see Ted Williams, get behind your team now in recognition of his spirit.

bill , arlington,va

heartbreaking...aggrivating...all emotions all at once. I just cant believe that this is happening. Trade Nomar! Get Delgado, DH Ortiz, trade Millar, trade Belhorn, give Manny a hug, and appologize to Schilling for brining him into a team that has no identity or sense of higher purpose. Get a pitcher too, Zito, Glavine, or Johnson. If they done make a move and soon then forget next season too. This one is gone. I have tickets to next Friday's game and I think I am just not gonna show up. Heck I'll even trade them for Britany Spears tickets and give you 5 bucks.

matt, barnstable

Trade Nomar, Lowe and Pedro for some really good prospects and sign Jason and then look forward to next year with a new manager.

Mike, Essex Junction, VT

Listen-up fellow sox fans; this season ain't over! Our pitching has been much better and though our hitting has been inconsistent, Theo is aware that we NEED to improve our fielding. Hopefully we'll trade for a good fielding First Baseman, put Ortiz at DH, Manny in Left, Trot in Right, and Nomah on the trading block. There's still hope my friends....

Sherm, Somerville

Francona, EVER HEAR OF MANAFACTURING RUNS????? They have this thing called bunting!!!!! Guess we will WAIT for the next longball WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!!!!

Brian, Brockton

This is too good a team to be losing like this. They have good pitching and good hitters. They just aren't getting it done. They are actually very pathetic. They gave last night's game away. It might be time for Tito to go.

John, Foxboro