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 58

Its a sad day, but there was no signing Nomar again. At least Theo got something for him, because Nomar could have just walked as a free agent. Cabrera is a rising star, and Cabrera, Reese, Mueller and Mentkiewicz is a very good defensive infield. Theo is also right about re-making the clubhouse. Nomar was clearly unhappy, and it was hard to watch him choke down his pride to play against A-Rod and the Yankees. Francona needs an honest chance, and I don't think he could ask they crew for much as long as the elder statesman, been through it all Nomar was around. This year we suffer the insane non-planning of the Duquette era, and can't possibly sign all of the free agents we have. Theo did a great job getting value for Nomar. An era is over.

David , Arlington

stunned.

jen, washington, dc (former mass)

The trade will work out well for both teams in the long run. The Red Sox have improved their hideous defense with these two acquisitions. Red Sox Nation needs to understand that their GM's job is to put a marketable team on the field to fill the stands and put together the right cast of players to try and win the division from the Yankees. If the RS GM would have held on to Nomar until the end of the year and received nothing in return, the fans would have critized him then, but what do I know? I just moved here from Chicago..Go Cubs

Brad , Weymouth

Although I've heard the trade rumors involving Nomar and the Cubs for weeks now, I never gave them any substance. Even now, I cannot register an opinion either way as I am still in shock as if someone socked me in the face. While yes, Nomar was visibly unhappy and pretty much was playing his last year in a Red Sox uniform, the thought of him playing in a Cubs jersey is unnerving, to say the least. I do, however, find it hard to believe that the best offer Theo Epstein received for Nomar Garciaparra was Orlando Cabrera (also in a contract year, but with a .230 AVG) and Doug Mientkiewicz (who will make us in Red Sox Nation long for the days of Millar's bat at first base). The only trade acceptable for Nomar should have involved prospects which could be sent to Arizona for Randy Johnson. Today is indeed a sad, sad day for Red Sox Nation.

Paul, Burrillville, RI

Better off? The only thing that makes sense about this trade is that it helps us forget the Curse of the Bambino. Now, we have the Curse of Nomar. I am sick over this. Would the Evil Empire trade Derek Jeter? I suppose after the mishandled trade attempts during the off-season for A-Rod, this was inevitable. We are only the fans not the money boys in the front office, but we are what separate the Sox from most other teams... and Nomar was part of that magical equation. Well, there's always next season...

Barry, Los Angeles

This is a colossally stupid move, reminiscent of Duquette and his predecessors. Do not listen to the reports that they did not cave to media/fan pressure. And to the fans who wanted to get rid of him, enjoy the A's-Yankees series in October, geniuses.

Bryan, New York, NY

This was not a good deal, no matter what Epstien thinks. Nomar was the heart and sole of the this club. He may have been injured, but when healthy, he is one of the best shortstops in the Americam League. The curse lives.

Jim, Shirley

Mientkiewicz & Cabrera for Nomar?!?! Is that the best that Theo could do? Football season will be here soon enough. Go Pats!

Mark, Brockton

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a biased fan. The only type of player that I do not like is the kind that doesn't hustle. So naturally I loved nomar. But there you have it I love-d Nomar. Take the d into consideration. Because even though Nomar's career in Boston has been a great one, he did not have much more of it ahead of him. Honestly, how many of you believed he would get a deal with us at the end of the season with that bum achilles? So basically we are just speeding up the inevitable. Remember when I said I "love-d" Nomar? I love (note the present-tense) these new players. All three of the players that we got in the trade are the gritty, dirt-dog type players that we have come to establish as the personality of the Boston team. And on a side-note, did anyone believe we were getting to the WS on THAT sloppy defense? We have picked up speed, talent, decnt hitting and AWESOME gold-glove caliber defense for an former All-Star past his prime. GOOD, GOOD Deal.

Nate , Amesbury

It appears from reading other postings that for some reason people have forgotten the sox offered nomar a huge contract before the a-rod fiasco and Nomar himself rejected the offer - if he wanted to be here then he could have been - is 60 million not enough to stay in your so -called favorite city - Happy trails Nomar - dont let the windy city blow on your achilles - you might miss half of next season

Rick, Marlborough