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?

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Sox should have done better - Cabrera and Mientkiewicz are average players - a half season of Nomar is worth more than more with these two players who could have been had for less - and they failed to sure up their pitching staff

Ross, Taunton

Can't blame them for moving him -- he was out the door after the season. But they should've been in the hunt for more talent in the weeks building up. Sure, good defense helps a weak defensive team, but Nomar's presence and hustle will be sorely missed.

James, Berkeley, CA

YES- Absolutely-

Dan , Oakland

Yes, the Sox are better off. Granted they lose one of the most popular players in Sox history, but he made it clear that staying with the Sox was not a priority when he did not agree to the market value offer extended to him in the off season.

Jim, Dedham

They might be better off, what with Nomar seemingly (or at least portrayted by the media) as wanting out, but...this one hurts. I know some pundits think that the Red Sox brand has become THE thing Red Sox Nation roots for, but I disagree; it will always be about people, about the players that we root for, follow, and pray (and pray) will turn that little white ball into a wall-denting double with the bases loaded. When they succeed, we feel it with them, a shared experience institutionalized by players like Teddy Ballgame and Yaz. Nomar felt like one of those guys, now he's gone and a part of my love for the Sox goes with him. Good luck Nomar.

Read, Montreal, QC (formerly Brookline)

terrible, how do they not at least get clement???

Jeff, yarmouth

No way. Nomar is wicked awesome. But he is perfect for the Cubs - a 1st pitch swinging powerhitter who doesn't walk and can't run, and has a "backword pronounced" name. The Sox will never be "better off" ripping and dumping their best players (Fisk, Lynn, Boggs, Clemens, Vaughn, Garciaparra) and getting nothing in return. They were even ripping into A-Rod over his rejection of the deal and he wasn't even with the team yet! And look how they caused Ted Williams to act during his playing days. Jeez. They will never be better off until they learn to develop respect for the players who make up the Red Sox team.

Sam, Brookline via Chicago

Better to get two average players than nothing at all. The chances of Nomar re-signing in Boston were slim to none. Nomies days in Boston started to count down back in 03 when he turned down a very good deal. Great guy and a better player, sorry to see him gone.

gregory, carmel, ca

Terrible.... I think they did not get in return what they gave up.

JOHN, berkley, ma

I am truly disappointed that the Red Sox traded Nomar. He was one of the most popular players on the team. The should have paid him. Now what am I going to do with my jersey?

Ed, Phoenix, AZ