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 has had his share of injuries in the last couple years, and his defense has sliped. But I think they will sorely miss his bat, they will need another big time offensive outfielder. Trot Nixon signing was a big mistake, thinking he signed with knowledge of his back problems.

bruce , rochester ny

I think that the time had come to trade Nomar, however Nomar is an impact player an we should have received an impact player in return. In previous days we heard about the possibility of obtaining Johnson, then Clement, instead we get a couple of Brand X players in return. One can only surmise that ownership told Epstein to reduce payroll, which should bring lower ticket prices because of an inferior product. If this isn't the case than Epstein is a real boy scout when he's dealing with other general mamagers.

joe, chicopee

Being a lifelong Yankee fan, I was curious as to what the Red Sox nation thought of this trade. Although I have long rooted against the Red Sox, I've always respected many players that have been a part of that franchise and Nomar was near the top of that list. Personally, I hate to see Boston lose Nomar because I think he is a big part of what makes Boston Boston. I do cheer for the Yankees but I love the game of baseball more and I hate it when cities lose their identity. I think Nomar has been a big part of the rivalry between NY and Boston over the past 8 or 9 years and I was hoping he'd still be there competing. I don't know if it was a good trade for Boston or not and only time will tell. In the meantime, I take very little pleasure in seeing Nomar go. On the bright side, Nomar should now be starting in every All Star game at SS in the NL.

Tim, Portland

Saying the Yankees upgraded better than the Sox by dumping Contreras and getting Loaiza is ridiculous. Also, he won 21 games last year, which is aobut 11 off of his previous season high. He has near a 5.00 ERA so far.

Danny C., Framingham

I like it ! .. of course I happen to be a Cubs fan .

Steve, Illinois

I'm disappointed to say the least. To trade the player that Ted Williams called, "the greatest player to ever play for the Red Sox" for two players that are defensively slightly better than the two they replaced, yet light-years behind them offensively, is embarrassing. Theo made it clear that we weren't going to be able to re-sign him so a trade was regrettably necessary, but to trade him for two waiver wire guys??? When does Free Agency begin...do you think we'll wise up by then and we land him as an FA?

Artie, North Attleboro

Welcome to the rest of the league, folks. When I guy is gonna go, he's gonna go and you got to get the best you can for him. But, I must say, Wigginton for Kris Benson is a better deal.

Bernie, Pittsburgh, PA

To content11@boston.com cc Subject Nomar Trade Yes! No question!

michael mee, osterville, ma.

I was wearing my Red Sox cap when I went to Boston.com and read about this trade. I'm devastated. I grew up in Massachusetts and got used to the idea of my favorite players going to other teams and becoming rivals. Mo Vaughn was tough to take, and Roger Clemens was really upsetting -- until he showed his true colors with the Yankees, the team he'll always be associated with despite his great years in Fenway. But Nomar was the Red Sox for me. He's the kind of player you want on your team, someone who represents the city with pride both on and off the field. Even Derek Jeter understands, when you think of the Sox, you think of Garciaparra. Chicago is richer tonight, and Boston is that much poorer. Nomar will be sorely missed.

Mike, Washington, DC

Although a sad day, Nomar was gone in 2 months anyway. For those of you cursing the Sox, remember, Nomar turned down the $15M contract. Unless he is hitting .330 or higher, his average fielding ability negates him. He hasn't really been the same since he hurt his wrist 3 years ago. ( 1 1/2 seasons on the DL out of 4 ain't great ) The defense has been killing them and that is shored up. Besides, they haven't gotten into the World Series with this bunch - time to try something else. Defense wins championships.

JCP, West Boylston