The Sox have shipped Nomar to the Cubs in a four-team deal and ended up with shortshop Orlando Cabrera and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. Are the Sox better off?

Page 11

Terrible move. Not only are the two players received not of Nomar's caliber, nobody in the game works harder than Nomar. In the age of prima donnas, the Sox traded one of the only humble superstars in the game. When you think of the Red Sox, you think of Ted Williams, Yaz, and Nomar. No more. Where can I get a Cubs hat?

Mike, Albany, NY

No, with all the free agents and the mystery which is what will our team be next year, this is not the time to be trading nomar. The yankees did very little and have a lot of huge question marks, the A's are vulnerable - with nomar, this team still could have brought it together for the stretch run. Our offense will struggle as you can see by the numbers before he returned compared to after. Finally, we needed another arm in the bullpen. Unless they know Williamson will come back healthy (after getting banged up in AAA the other day, does not seem too promising), then they needed someone to keep the game close in the middle innings. It is too bad we could not see what this team would have done this year.

Kevin, Raleigh

As much as some Red Sox fans became fed up with the selfish act of Nomar, No one and I mean no one wanted to see him dealt for 2 medicore players. When the rumors started around 3:30 PM Jayson Starks reported a deal that would send Nomar to the Cubs for Matt Clement and Orlando Cabera. That deal made alot of sense. You improve your pitching with a great young pitcher and improve your defense with the Gold Glove caliber shortstop. But instead the Red Sox do not get Matt Clement they get Doug Mientkiewicz. But isn't Doug Mientkiewicz another David McCarty? I think so...so when all is said and done the Sox give up an All-Star Shortstop for two guys who hit .250 and combine dont drive in the runs Nomar does. So you make the call are we really better off?

Kyle, Seekonk

I am extremely disappointed in the trade but knew it was coming after what occured this past winter. They received two decent players, but they didn't address their problem: PITCHING. Loaiza, a 20-game winner and runner-up for last year's Cy Young would have been great. So what happens: the damned Yankees get him for an inconsistent Jose Contreras and cash. Where were the Red Sox during this time? Ony thing that can help now is to get The Big Unit.....or have a few pitches for the Yankees to go on the DL for the remainder of the season. Once again, money talks and the Sox lose out again. Diehard Red Sox fan since 1941.

Joseph, Bakersfield, California

horrible. simply horrible.

mherre, remserm

bad trade. they didn't get anything for Nomar

casey, silverthorne, co

The Red Sox got absolutely NOTHING for a player as talented and proven as Nomar, either for this year or next. They are much WEAKER, now and in the future, for making this trade. Possibly the ghost of Babe Ruth inspired it.

Bill, Peabody

I'm sorry to see Nomar go after such a great career with the Sox. At the same time, he was going to be gone at the end of this season anyway and I think the team has been hurt by his bad attitude this season --- notice how he said today that he was going to a team that "wants him" (the Cubs), obviously bashing the Sox on his way out. It would have been nice to get some better bats in this trade, the team improves in an area desperately needed (defense) and loses a little in an area that's been a strength (offense). Maybe they can win some 3-2 games instead of losing 8-7.

Paul, Brookline

Absolutely. It was obvious that they were never going to sign him, and the situation was effecting his play, both in the field and at the plate. In Cabrera, they get a player grateful to be rescued from baseball Siberia, and Mientkiewicz is a needed upgrade at first. I wish Nomar all the best, and hope this revitalizes what had been, before the bitterness and strife, a truly magnificent career.

Steve, Tewksbury

Hmmm I'm not sure at the moment since Pokey would be the obvious fill-in for Nomar, but he is on the DL. The infield may struggle for a few weeks playing with each other for the first time so don't get your hopes up just yet. I've read great things about O. Cabrera although nobody has ever heard of him because he normally plays in two different countries besides the U.S. Right now, I like Millar moving to right with the hot bat, Mienketwicz (sp?) to 1st base so we can get that sore-sight of a fielder, Ortiz in as the DH. I also like the fact that we picked up Dave Roberts' speed from the Dodgers who is likely the 4th OF and late inning utility man (pinch runner, etc). Damon and him will see a lot of steal attempts I hope to get runners into scoring position.

Jeff, Medford