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 26

This trade is proof that the Red Sox are cursed, and we of Red Sox nation are like pagans offering sacrifices to an indifferent, unappeasable god. Our love seems futile and worthless.

Ben, Geneseo, NY

It's hard to believe it happened. You say Sox and you think Nomar. Cabrera won't disappoint the fans... he's talented. However, it would have never come to this if the Gay Rod deal would have been pulled off. Now, no matter what Epstein does, he will be perceived as the bad guy. Personally, I think Nomar was gone at the end of the year regardless of what happened. At least we got something for him that is above average and not solely platoon players. Don't forget the series against the Yanks when Ramirez hit the dinger and everyone was on their feet celebrating except for Nomar. A tough picture to forget, especially from a guy that always gave 110% and was a leader on and off the field. Time will tell!! Good luck in the N.L., Nomar!

Art , Woodstock

I guess two mediorcre players equals one great player (with two months left on his contract).

Dennis, Wilmington

Never better off without Nomar, he was talented, and motivational for both the team and the fans. The trade is ridiculous.

tory, edmonton, alberta

Maybe not the worst trade ever, but heart and soul will always man more for the Red Sox and the fans. Nomar, Trot and Varitek were the core of the team. Unless we have an abundance of $$, it will still take a team to win it all.

Rich, Springfield

Once again, the Red Sox management blew it. They alienated one of the great players in baseball. They mis-managed Nomar and created an untenable situation for him. Then they the media piled on along with the get-a-lifers on talk radio. Globe writers share the blame for helping drive Nomar out of town. It's a good deal for Nomar and the Cubs. He will thrive at Wrigley Field and the media there are not bottom feeders. I don't believe the two players they recieved in return can contribute more than Nomar no matter how they spin it. I wish them luck in Boston. Sox management has done a terrible job this year in almost every respect, and now they're trying to cut their losses, and cut and paste together a team that can make it to the post-season. But everybody knows that with the whiners and prima-donnas bringing down the real ballplayers on this team, this team isn't psychologicaly built to win. Goodbye Nomar, Godspeed

John, Providence

This is a deal that will come back to haunt the Red Sox. Theo may yet join Harry Frazee and Dan Duquette as villains whose names should never be uttered by Sox fans without spitting. Nomar was treated shamefully in the A-Rod fiasco, and while Dan Shaughnessy may be partying tonight after his year-long vendetta against Nomar, I doubt that many Red Sox fans will be following suit. I wish Nomar the best of luck as he enters the "twilight of his career."

John, Newton

Let's face it, Nomar was gone, his skills will decline soon if they haven't already. The big weakness on this team was defense and this deal improves the D considerably. Yeah, you want pitching, everybody wants pitching. The Sox have Pedro and Curt. That will get them through any playoff series and they may have the infield to back those two up now. Good move.

Gabe, Brighton

Love the deal, absolutely love it. Now as a Yankee fan I don't have to see Nomar come up in a big situation. Next year, Nomar playing 2nd base for the defending World series champ yankees!!!!

Paul T., Cary, NC

Nomaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! This one hurts pretty deep, even though it could be for the best for both sides at this point. First Boggs, then Clemens, then Mo. It hurts to lose the home grown players we identify the Sox with. I will pray every morning, every day and every night that we never have to see Nomar in a Yankee uniform. I don't think I could deal with that. Seriously.

Brent, Columbus, Ohio