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 48

I hated to see Nomar go, but didn't think he would stay at the end of the year anyway, so better the Sox get something for him than let him walk the way they did with Roger and Mo.

John, Essex, Vermont

We've all heard of the curse, and now I think it just got worse. What I want to know is this: When did Nomar become such a defensive liability that Epstein stated that he feels that "the Red Sox can play defense with anyone now?" I never realized Orlando Cabrera had such better defensive credentials.

christopher , tokyo

To Sox management, If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. The team was on a roll and starting to build up a head of steam and this happens. The curse continues this time in the front office. All this team needed was Baltran and this season would have been turned around, early. Sox management did not see it or did not care to see it. Good move Theo. BTW Chicago, you are going to love this guy. He'll come around in the middle of 05, from foot injury, and by 06 he will be a force in the NL.

Zack, Reading

This was a great trade. Nomar was the sentimental favorite in Boston, but his best days are five years behind him and his attitude -and his glove - were liabilities. At the end of the year, No-mah will likely sign with a west coast team anyway. Acquiring two gold glovers in exchange for a late season sub is pretty slick on Theo's part. The Sox have tried winning with offense for the past 86 years, perhaps it's time to give defense a shot.

Todd , Phoenix, AZ

Nomar's #5 2004, Sox Trade Nomar to the Cubs, For Get About it! I wish Nomar and the Cubs lots of luck. If any other team disserves him then it's the Cubs. I miss the days when franchise players stayed no matter what. This trade makes sense on paper but baseball is more then just stats. In the long run it maybe tradition that suffers. The legacy of the franchise players and their impact on their communities over time can't be measure in dollars or fully be realized until the ends of their carreers. Hopefully If Nomar Goes on to be a great player he will be remembered as a Red Sox.

Wayne, Acworth, GA

He was going to walk at the end of the season anyway. He did not want to be here and his play of late showed how miserable he was. Thanks for the memories but it's time to move on.

Gerry, Medford

Nomar helped me fall in love with baseball and the Red Sox. I believe the Red Sox have treated him horribly. I feel completely betrayed by this decision. The new players may be good defensively, but neither can compare to Nomar's production at the plate. I only hope this turns out okay for the Sox, but to me, I can't help but think Epstein doesn't want to win. This is disgusting...I just feel betrayed by the Red Sox organization.

Amy , Long Island

It's a good trade. Nomar doesn't want to be in Boston anymore anyway. Although Nomar is a great player, the 2 players the Sox got in the deal are excellent defensively. They need better defense if they plan to go far in the playoffs. The Sox have plenty enough offense without Nomar to score runs.

Jeff, Medford

The Red Sox aren't cursed by the Bambino. They are cursed by consistently STUPID OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT!!!

Sybil, Waltham

I think both the Cubs and BoSox benefitted from this trade. The Cubs got a proven commodity in Nomar---albeit only possibly for the rest of the season---and didn't give up a huge amount in return-----and the sox got the shortstop the cubs were seeking if they couldn't land Nomar---plus a very solid 1st baseman in mantkiewicz---and the other two teams got some solid prospects and salary relief-----i think it was a fantastic trade for all involved

steve, st pete, fla