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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As a boston expat, I've always rooted for the sox... but mostly for nomar. My allegiance is taking the Lake Shore Limited west.

Ben, Austin TX

I don't think you can underestimate the importance of chemistry in the clubhouse and I think it was obvious Nomar was hurting team chemistry. So I agree with the concept of getting rid of Nomar now, but I think the Sox should have got more for him. They should have packaged Lowe and received pitching in return.

David , Columbus, Ohio

The Sox never went anywhere with Nomar anyway. This is just like the Mariners of the '90s when one by one the let A-Rod, Johnson, and Griffey Jr. go; the Mariners as a team then went on to better things. Nomar turned down $60 million las year to stay with the Sox. Obviously, there was no amount of money in the world that would have made him happy here. Good luck as a Cub, Nomar. We'll miss 'ya.

JD , Hayward, CA

Nomar's gone but Lowe is still here?!?! Are you kidding me. Probably because no one in their right mind would trade for Lowe. Nomar will be missed. I can't believe Theo thinks getting Cabrera and Mientkiewicz will help improve the team. Guess I'll be watching the Cubs if I want to watch an All-Star shortstop that plays with heart! Good luck Nomar!!!! Sox-World Series rings- maybe next year! -Yeah, right!

Denine, Torrington, CT

Offensively: Worse off than Nomar, no question. But Nomar's durability is definitely suspect. So if Cabrera plays everyday (like he did last year in Montreal), and Mientkiewicz (nice OBP) is pretty comparable to Millar, it's not the dropoff that you'd think. If both return to 2003 form in new surroundings, we'll be happy. Defensively: Massive upgrade. Cabrera/Pokey/Minky (you heard it hear first) is, I think, the first time the Red Sox have had three gold glovers in the 6-4-3. Money: Even if the Red Sox were going to resign Nomar--which I truly doubt would have happened--it wouldn't have happened for less than about $14mm per. Cabrera and Minky are 9mm this year. Assume worst case that goes to $11mm next year (I think Minky is locked in, Cabrera isn't, but 8mm is about the worst case), then you just saved $3mm, which we'll need for Pedro, Tek, or whoever we are signing after Lowe goes. The intangibles: These guys will want to play here. Both needed a change of scenery (everyone needs a change of scenery from Montreal). The clubhouse karma on the Sox, especially for Latin players, is outstanding. Cabrera will fit right in. Nomar was an island unto himself. It's terrible it had to end this way; Nomar is the most exciting player to watch on the Sox since Freddy Lynn in his early years, but he's just not part of the team. The image burned in my brain is him sitting back against the Yankees last month when every other guy was on the rail. Was he hurt? Sure. Is he thinking about the long term? Absolutely. That's rational. But so was this trade--if he had played this season with the emotion that the Red Sox fans who are upset about his departure have, he would never have been dealt. He had turned into a money player thinking about the future, and Theo responded in kind.

Doug, Rumson

It remains to be seen- the defense should be better up the middle. Fewer unearned runs could mean more wins, but the Sox still miss clutch hitting.

Tom , Chicopee,MA

We lost Clemens, Fisk and Vaughn to free agency and received nothing in return. At the time of each of their free agencies, all were considered major stars of the Sox. Nomar was not coming back, would not have taken a discount to stay and I believe had lost the repsect of his teammates. The Sox got two solid players and have more available money to resign Varitek and Pedro. Watch for them pick up a starter in August. Another smart business decision by Theo.

Ben, Lancaster, PA

no way!! I can't believe they would ship of nomar. This is just the last straw in a long line of problems. Go yanks

john, cambridge

Unbelievable.. Who do we give away next Pedro and Schilling?

Al, OFallon, Illinois

Thank God A Perriennal all Star the guy never even plays and these people vote him in What a joke that whole thing is Oh gosh hes "cute" all the tiny boppers will miss him How did he do in the play-offs last year??? Boston needs people that will perform and succede under pressure Not a pop star

Tim, woburn