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 39

I think this is a terrible trade!Nomar has done so much for the red sox, for the heart of that ball club and for the city of Boston, that this trade simply baffles me. My friends and I think that while Nomar has been injured , it's just a matter of time before he's back to being the best. To me this is Roger Clemmons all over again, and look at how good he's played since leaving Boston. I know I'm 3,000 miles from good old fenway but the black arm band is on, and the eyes are blurry to see such a dedicated player be sent on his way.

Cameo, Las Vegas, Nevada

God I hope so. You want to call me a sap? Go ahead. I am absolutely grief-stricken. I feel worse than I did after game 7 last year. This is loyalty we are talking about. I want to trust front office, I really do, but OUR BELOVED NOMAR? I knew it was coming, but man was I hopeful that it would not. At least he's going to the Cubs, our national league sister team. It's the only comfort I have right now. I simply cannot image the Sox without him. Another saving grace: The NYY have a SS. And to my knowledge, they have no plans to get rid of him. Even if they do, they've got a sufficient back up on 3rd. WHEW! -K

Kim, Salem

I will be the guy with the half and half Nomar jersey on at tomorrow's Cubs game (see half Bruins, half Avs jersey for Bourque in 2001). It is sad to see him leave Boston, but we'll gladly take him here on the North Side. Sox definitely lost some bat power, but their pitchers will be better served with this infield behind them. Cubs vs. Sox in the Series. - Rich Garces, Chicago, IL

thefatcloser, Chicago, IL

Are you kidding me? I heard it first on the radio and had to run to my computer to see if this was true. We just traded one of the top five shortstops for two guys who can't hit their weight. Thank god the Patriots have started. This season is over for the Sox. NY must be sending Theo envelopes or death threats. I'm going to go and throw up, kick my dog and break some furniture.

Charlie , Foxboro

I can't believe what everyone is saying about this deal. Why are you all dwelling on how great Nomore supposedly was? He has been somewhat inconsistent since his wrist injury three years ago, he makes more errors than Dick Stuart, and he's soured on Boston. Meanwhile, in a four-team deal, we get a Gold Glove SS who can hit (Orlando Cabrera), a Gold Glove 1B who can hit (don't let the .246 average fool you, trust me here, he can hit), and a speedy outfielder (Dave Roberts). To give up Nomore and two nonprospects for them is simply crazy. I understand that a lot of you folks were Nomar fans, but the fact is that he doesn't have the intangibles. He doesn't hit in the postseason, I have never heard anyone say that he's a clubhouse presence, and, on top of that, I just don't think he was really comfortable here in Boston, especially after the A-Rod fiasco. Trust me, when you've all counted to ten and had a nice glass of water, you'll be glad Theo worked this deal. The Red Sox just got better, and, on top of that, this will probably make Steinbrenner have a tantrum in NYC. See you in October.

Jacob, Brunswick, ME

No objection here...we were going to lose Nomar anyway, I think he was, in many ways, tanking it this season for us -- not completely tanking it being as that this is his walk year, but it was obvious he didn't want to be here. I'm happy with the deal

Jay, Floral Park, New York

Thank god for the Patriots. And best of luck to Nomar he was and is a class act.

Neil, Pascoag,R.I.

Let's face it, Garciaparra wasn't returning next season. Knowing that, it was a real plus to get the likes of Mientkiewicz and Cabrera to upgrade a defense that was pathetic. I hated to see a player of Garciaparra's level leave the Red Sox, but life moves on and both the Cubs and Sox will benefit from this move. One thing is for sure, and that is that Epstein is not a "fence sitter" and I'm delighted we have someone like him looking out for Boston's interest.

Jack, Irvine, CA

The Red Sox traded a hall of fame shortstop for two ordinary guys. I believe the Red Sox should have made more af a concerted effort to make peace and sign Nomar. This is a sad day in Red Sox Nation.

Larry , Mansfiels

Theo has to be the worst manager in baseball. This better pay off, Nomar we miss you. Love and Miss you!

Melanie, Boston