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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My first thought is: Absolutely idiotic. Trading a franchise player for a couple average guys? What's management thinking? Second thought is: If Nomar over the winter rejected a 4-year $60 million contract extension, what's Nomar thinking? The writing was on the wall, and if they get someone worthwhile next winter with the money they're saving, then maybe it's a good deal. But we can write off this year.

Tim, Cambridge

Yes - we go from being the worst defensive team in the league to one of the best, instantly. Nomar would have played maybe 25 more games for us this season, then be gone. We can now back up the pitching we've invested in with a decent defense, and give Derek Lowe a chance to succeed with his ground ball pitching.

M Kayhoe, Keene, NH

It's obviously a bad deal...a couple of "good" gloves for a GREAT glove and a very very good hitter. The Sox got hosed, per usual. See folks, it's clear to see why the Yankees are consistent winners, and our beloved Sox are perennial losers. The Yankees organization does all it can to win, the Red Sox simply do not. The Yankees found a way to get A-Rod AND keep Jeter. The Sox were prepared to sent Nomar and Ramirez packing. Until the Sox learn to follow the example of the Yankees organization, we will always settle for "second best" or "third best" every year, which is just as bad last being in last, really. Second sucks. First is the only one that matters.

Chuck, Leominser

I agree with Erik, in Brighton. This will be a great trade for Nomar, because he's going where he'll get the same fan support as he did in Boston. I'm a die hard Cubs fan, and my favorite club in the AL is the Red Sox. From my Sox point of view, it was a dumb move, but great for the Cubbies. Forgive me, but I know I'm a masochist--I love getting heartbroken twice every season.

Aodhan , Germantown

Can we get rid of Theo instead? What a butthead ! You get nothing for Nomar as the Sox will not sign this guy at the end of the season. The problem is pitching and not defense. What good is the trade when the Sox will miss the playoffs. Bring Grady Little back and get rid of the fantasy league general manager and get a baseball person in there!

John , Charlotte, NC

The trade is a shock. I just heard it during the game. I will no longer be a red Sox fan. The trade a great player like Nomar for useless players, according to the sports announcers. Theo Epstein couldn't even try for a good pitcher like Randy Johnson. Instead they trade a great shortshtop but keep a loser like Derek Lowe. The way they trade they will never get to the world series. Theo Epstein has let down Red Sox fans. l

Debbie, Mattapoisett, MA

Who the heck are these two guys? I would have rather they traded Nomar for Carl Everet.

Josh, Worcester

Adios Nomar. A little modesty could have kept you with us but you blew it a long time ago.

Honni, San Francisco

no...what a sad day in Red Sox history...

Drew, Durham NH

I will miss Nomar, but two things. The Sox need DEFENSE! Cabrera is an upgrade at short and Mien ... Doug is an improvement at first. Second, Nomar did not WANT to be in Boston. He was hardly a ra-ra guy in the clubhouse this year, walking around like nobody liked him, being a baby, frankly. This was, of course because the Sox tried to trade him last Winter. He was hurt because he thought he was part of the "family." No, Nomar, this is a BUSINESS! Where was this sense of family and love of Boston when he turned down $60 MILLION DOLLARS last year?? Bye Nomar, I loved watching you and I wish you really did just "love Boston", but you are full of it! Enjoy Aneheim next year.

Mark, Vermont