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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I hate seeing Nomar leave. He was definitely a favorite here in Boston. I do believe that the Sox did not have any chance in signing Nomar after this season, and the Sox made a smart decision in trading him. I was never convinced of Nomar's defensive skills. When's the last time you saw Nomar get his uniform dirty diving after a ground ball up the middle? Nomar's numbers have gone down. Who can forget his 0 fer September and October last year? It's a good trade for the Sox and for Nomar. A change of scenery may well be just the thing for Nomar. I wish him well.

Harv, Manchester, NH

Nomah we hardly knew ye? **E-Phreakin'-NOUGH!** Newsflash #1: number of WS Titles the Sox won with Nomie: Uh...that would be *ZERO*. Newsflash #2: number of off-seasons "tough-guy" Nomah had before *finally* having surgery on his wrist on OPENING DAY (what did SteinGrabber have pix of Duquette's sister, naked?): 2 Newsflash #3: Chance that Nomie was sticking around after this year: 0% The Sox had to get *something* for him, and 2 gold glovers is pretty good. The sox, with Mueller at 3rd and Reese at 2b (after he gets back from the DL) are going to have a formidable D. Finally. Instead of being the Black Hole that they were before. Newsflash #4: Pedro's next. His diminishing skills (i.e. remember the Pedro of '99? Me, too. WTF is the current guy?) $18M/yr is WAY TOO MUCH for a guy who gets BOMBED ever 3rd time out, and takes a 3 wk. vacation on the DL every Jul/Aug. 'Tek, OTOH, should be resigned.

Dave , Norwalk, CT

This is a good trade. Emotional attachment to Nomar and respect for his talent aside, Red Sox fans do not want the team just to get to October; they want the team to WIN in October. Nomar was ineffective at clutch time late in games and late in the season and the two pick-ups will upgrade the defense and bolster the pitching staff. It is pitching and defense, plus clutch hitting, that wins championships.

Jon, Weston

As a Cubs fan, I'm ecstatic about the trade. The Cubs get an all-star shortstop for a journeyman and a few prospects, none of whom are among their prized farm talent. Does it make the Sox better off? Probably, though not as much as it does the Cubs. The Sox needed defense and got it. As long as they continue to get offense from the outfield and the DH, they can have a couple of defense-first players in their starting lineup. The Twins are the ones who seemingly got the shaft, giving up Mientkiewicz for a lone prospect.

Ben , Omaha, NE

this is a great deal. everyone that is complaining really ought to start watching some games. the biggest problem for the sox has been their defense. if they hadn't made so many errors derek lowe would be 10-6. cabrera has a pretty good glove but the improvement comes from meintkiewicz. this guy is a gold glove first baseman and alos has a decent bat. this completely improves the red sox infield now with someone able to scope up those short hoppers. and dave roberts is also a very nice addition. with trot out roberts will help pitching because of his speed will allow him to run down alot of flyballs. he also is a legitimate base stealer and can help the sox produce more runs. all around theo did a great job.

derek, canton

Did Bill James fall asleep on the job? Did he get fired? This isn't the Red Sox approach to baseball.... at least before they were true to their approach....now they are wafflers. Defense and speedy players... does anyone really thing they will play small ball?

Rich, Lowell

I will miss Nomar but I think this was the right move. I can't remember the last time he came through with a big hit.

ATB, New York

As sad as it is to see Nomar go, I think this is good for the sox. Their defense was pitiful, and is now much better off, defense and pitching win championships. I have always been a big Nomar fan, but when I saw how he was during the last Sox/Yankees game (Jeter's catch) sitting on the bench during the entire epic game, while all of his teamates were up cheering, I knew that it was not the same Nomar. I trust Theo and the management, they all want to see this team win as much as we do. No doubt a change needed to be made, 500 ball for three months for this club will cause that. Mientkiewicz is sick, and I cant wait to see Cabrera at short, and as far as I know, these two guys can only swing the bat better. Still keeping the faith...

Hart, Marshfield

See ya suckers! What's everyone upset about, I wasn't going to stay in Boston anyway. Cabrera's a better shortstop and Mientkiewicz will play stellar D and make contact in October when it really matters. How soon you forget how I disappeared at the end of the season last year when it really counted!

Nomar, Anaheim, California

I was planning for this the entrie year! The Sox had to make some kind of deal. Pitching was a priority but you cannot give away the furture of the Sox either. Doug & Orlando will be fine and we will probably be roaring for them when they make their appearences at Fenway soon. We are not in the club house, so maybe Nomar did give up? Who knows really. He wasn't going to sign with the Sox anyways and if he loves Boston that much who cares about $$$. He could always sign as a free agent?? Now; Theo & Mangt. - get this team on a winning streak and all will be fine!

J.V. , Western MA. Sox Fan