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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I am an idiot. I traded one of the best players in the game for an overhyped Brian Daubach and Ricky Guttierez.

Theo Epstein, Boston, MA

I have been a Sox fan for two years, and I was shocked when I heard the news. The Sox should have gotten a lot more for Nomar, but in reality I would prefer if he never go at hall. Nomar should have been a career Sox player. Lets just hope they see sense and re-sign him in the off season. I'll be watching a few cubs games this season.

Brian , Dublin, Ireland

Thanks for the great years, Nomar. Like a bad marriage, sometimes it is best for both sides to part ways, and this is a perfect example. I wish we could have gotten more back, but everyone knew that Nomar was unhappy. You try to make the best of it that you can and Theo did.

Jerry, Short Hills, NJ

I hate to see Nomar go but he wasn't going to resign with the team so Theo did what he had to do. Finally someone in the Sox front office understands the need to get somebody for a star player instead of letting the star walk and get nothing (remember Mo and Roger???). The big questions now are will the improved defense lead to the playoffs? Is Ortiz now a fulltime DH? Are Millar's days numbered? And perhaps most important, will the Yanks try to sign Nomar when the season's over???

Arrthur D., Los Angeles

Are the Sox better? No. No. A 1000 times no. This deal reeks of "we're giving up on 2004." OR there had better be some grand plan going on, or my estimation of the Red Sox brass just went "Pitino."

Lon, Zi

I feel that same hollow and empty feeling I felt when I watched us lose game 7 last year in October. I was furious over the winter at how the managers and the owners treated Nomar. This rotten deal was as good as done back in the winter, no matter how well he has played since returning. He is one of the best ball-players we have ever had and is loved adamantly by the fans. I am more than happy to keep cheering for him at the Cubbies, I will proudly hang my #5 Jersey on the wall, and I still love the Sox, but I hate the owners and management for screwing this up.

Drew, Acton

There will be a special cell in hell, inhabited by Theo, Dan and Yoko Ono...

Steven, Memphis

I Hate Everything. This is the worst move ever. LETS GO CUBBIES

Joe, Somerville

This whole thing with Nomar has made me sick to my stomach. He should have taken the extension, he is a leader and his bat makes up for his glove. Maybe the change of scenery for two months will put some perspective and sign with the Sox in the off season. Sox players will have to step up like they did when Nomar was on the DL to make up for the offense. Theo is right though....you don't win championships with out some defense. Damon couldn't throw out my grandmother from the outfield and with Reese/Cabrera up the middle this helps free up some $$$ to get Beltran next year and trade Damon for....anyone(including my grandmother)

Ron, Chesapeake, Va

finally, this guy has had hamm on his mind more often then winning. he never led, a great athelete who didn't grow up. probably a revolution fan. good luck, we're better off without him on the roster

nick esaski, palookaville, tx