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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Nomar clearly did not want to be in Boston. In Cabrera and Mientkiewicz, you now have a very good defensive infield upon the return of Reese. This should save runs. Hopefully, Mueller and Varitek will recapture their hitting strokes and the loss of Nomar's offense will not be as drastic.

Rusty , Manchester, NH

No, it's a pretty bad trade. Yes, The Sox defense has been pretty bad, and that's cost some games, but they've also had a very nasty habit of leaving guys on base. So you have an offense which hit a ton but stranded more runners than any other team suddenly having even less probability of advancing any runners who get on base. Ok, so the improved defense might garner some defensive wins, but given the weakened offense, things will turn even MORE on pitching, which is still a huge problem. Theo made a bad one here. There were so many defensive errors because Red Sox pitching has allowed the ball to get into play so much. It would have been much better to get a solid 3rd starter and keep the offense. And there are the obvious intangibles - even if the Sox win the World Series, it's without Nomar, and with a bunch of guys they just picked up. It would be like a win for the Red Sox the Company, not the Olde Towne Team

Kevin, Quincy

Nomar has to understand that this is just a business decision. Red Sox ownership is committed mediocrity. In that quest for mediocrity, they have chosen to alienate thier franchise player, trade him, and cruise on into that solid four place finish. It takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice to maintain this level of fan disappointment. A World Series drought this long doesn't happen by accident , you know. Seriously, management is responsible for moral - not just one single player. This all started with the A-rod debacle and ultimately left no other option than a trade or loss to free agency. Mr. Henry, we're glad you left South Florida. It's just too bad you had to end up in Boston. Hey! I have an idea for you! Buy the Yankees!

Mad Dog, Miami, FL

This was awesome! 4 gold gloves in the infield now when pokey comes back... Nomar wasn't going to be in a Sox jersey at the end of the year anyway... great bats, best ERA and a .500 ball club!! Come on people, snap out of it, Theo knows what he's doing! Yes, Nomar's hitting % is higher but he has less HR and RBIs than Miertikwectz what's his name... it's about runs people. Too many errors with Nomar... weak clutch hitting... The Red Sox are better than ever, we just need to believe and support them... REVERSE THE CURSE!!

Michael , San Diego

Nomar is American apple pie and baseball. Have been working very hard to remain a fan through these years of the curse but have remained loyal. My dad knew the Babe. As unimportant as it is, this has finally proven to be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Why do you still have that crybaby Pedro, whom you pamper? I think you would be surprised how many fans would prefer to rid Boston of Pedro and keep Nomar.

Mel, Everett

Sad to see old friend "Nomah" leaving Boston after many great memories. One of the most beloved Red Sox ever who always gave all between the lines. But, it was obvious he wanted out of Boston. I think management did the right thing even though the move will be seen by many as unpopular. If you analyze the trade closely, the Sox improved themselves defensively. And this was a glaring weakness. Surprised they did not move D. Lowe. But he is still capable of helping the club. Let's hope the Sox do not suffer any more injuries. They need to be healthy to get into the playoffs.

Richard, Meriden,CT

I am from Chicago and absolutely astounded that the Cubs got Nomar and basically gave up nothing in return. They're even getting cash to take him. Thats right the Red Sox are paying us to take Nomar off their hands. I'm not sure what is really going on here. Being a Cubs fan your always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm guessing Nomar's injury isn't really resolved. I hope I'm wrong though.

Bruce, Chicago

I am sad to see Nomar leave, but.... The Sox defense and team will be better for it. It will be interesting to see if Tito will adapt his managing style to the new dimension of speed . I 've always liked Mientkiewicz and thought he would be a good fit for the Sox. My worry about Nomar is he will be at 2nd base for the Yankee's next year !

Frank , Northfield

I can't really say if the team is better off or not. I'm just going to miss Nomar for now. I know it's probably a dead dream in this day and age, but I'd like to see the Sox have a star come up through their system and spend his whole carreer there like Yaz and Teddy Ballgame. With the likelyhood of his leaving after the season anyway, this was probably a better bussiness decision, but it's a little harder to deal with as a fan. For all his problems this year, I'm going to miss Nomar.

Lt Bill, Osan AB ROK (by way of Berkley MA)

Great move by Theo! Boston fans are blinded by Nomar. He's a cancer in the locker room, he's mediocre at short (where defense is the Sox biggest weakness), he's impatient at the plate (defies the overall team concept of patience at the plate), and he has been prone to injury the last three years. Did I mention he doesn't hit in the clutch??? And how much money does he want??? Have fans forgotten the image of Derek Jeter coming out of the stands with blood on his face while Nomar sat indifferently in the dugout during one of the Sox biggest games of the season??? Two gold glove infielders who will putt for dough (along with Glod Glover Pokey Reese) will go much further than a self-centered shortstop who drives for show during the season, and is no where to be found during the playoffs. Wake up and smell the coffee!!!

Jorge, Miami, Florida