The Sox have traded the two-time AL batting champ for two former Gold Glovers. Can the Sox make the playoffs with this new lineup?

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Normar gone? It's hard to believe. My immediate reaction is it's too bad fans can't trade ownership and management the way those loonies can trade our stars. For example, I'd love to see the headline: "Fans trade Theo and $10 million to Yankees for Cashman." I just hope Theo knows what he's doing? That's unlikely, though, given the long history of the Red Sox, who only seem to know how to tease. At least we Red Sox fans know how to get excited. But Nomar for defense? In Boston? This is Boston? Go Theo!

Warren , Portland, Maine

They have improved their defense, speed, and bench. Their starters have the potential to go all the way. The key thing will be - as always - their bull pen, especially Williams. The concern is health - they will now need Nixon, Reese, and Kim back. Long term, they must give Tek what he wants now - and seriously consider making him their team captain. This team reminds me of the 2001 Dbacks.

Andrew, Fairfield, CT

Yes - though the lineup isn't the issue per se. The key will be to see if Francona can get the team to fire on all pistons for a sustained amount of time - yet it isn't just on Francona - it has to be on the players as well. Someone must light a fire in that clubhouse, get the players to go in everyday with the sense of urgency, the passion, and the desire that Sox fans have for that team. Is the team better without Nomar? Too soon to tell - it rests on the shoulders of the players coming to play above their 2004 numbers and to solidify what has been a below average defense. The real challenge outside of clunhouse leadership is the need to diverge from the 'Moneyball' philosophy and to begin playing 'Smartball' - advancing runners, hit & runs - to begin manufacturing more runs and bringing in those players left too often on base. The trade signals a move in that direction with a non-Moneyball commitment to defense.... now let's see this team execute.

Greg, Stoughton

The Sox weren't going to make the playoffs with the old lineup: they were unable to win close games with such a poor defense. Nomar is no longer an everyday player, and with Trot still hurting, the overhaul of the team makes sense. I work with the media, and I've worked on documentaries about the team and have interviewed the Sox. Nomar is very talented and very hard working: but he was not good for the team. His talent and dedication produced the myth that he was "NOMAH", the hometown hero. But he was just another wealthy solitary ballplayer picking up a paycheck. Both Manny and Nomar were put on the block before this year. The notoriously "immature" Manny has dealt with that with grace, maturity, and a new drive to engage fans, his teammates, and the press. Nomar continued to sulk. Now he can sulk in Chicago, when the press wants to know why he's not playing everyday while they're in the race.

Lance, Waltham

As a red sox fan I hope with all my might that they will make it. but there is a part of me that sees that the team has not been all that it can this season. I don't think they'll be able to make it to the playoffs. And while i know that Nomar hasn't had the best season, he will be missed.

Ro, Boston

Sure the Sox can win without Nomar. But they will never win with the management of theo. Take a note from the success of the Yankees. Look at how much more Nomar has done for the Sox over what Jeter has done for the yanks. Yet look at the respect the yanks give Jeter and the lack of respect the Sox showed Nomar. That is the difference in a championship team and a loser.

Terry, Dandridge, TN

The reaction to this trade is confusing me. The same people decrying the Red Sox and this move are the same people who would be ripping them when he walked for nothing at the end of the year. Reminesces of Mo and Roger would be thrown around, and if he did go the Sellout Yankee route, we would be hanging Theo from the Tobin on Effigy. WE GOT BACK VALUE! We traded a recently hurt unhappy superstar in his last year, for two SOLID players, both of whom can be resigned for around half of what Nomar would make next year, significantly improved the infield defence, out field defence, speed, and chemistry. Ah chemistry. Nomar was the fly in the ointment this year, his fire and love for the game was an evident factor last year, as much as his depression, and anger were a part of this one. Not only is Mientkeiwitz a GREAT first baseman, but is a superior personallity as well, and Dave Roberts will give us the speed and late inning defence we need. Finally, Orlando Caberra is no slouch. Ask yourself this: How would you perform for the Expos? But he has done well, they have just played 30 oddd games without seeing home, no energy, no shot. He comes here, and the crowd alone will be good for a bounce. I promise you this there will be many less throws from shot tailing away from the first baseman for the rest of the year, and he has GREAT range. OF COURSE this team can win with this line up.

SeamHead, Pelham, NH

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

greg, middleton,ma

NO WAY we want NOMAH Epstein should be terminated or sent to the Cubs.....

jeff, raleigh

Sadly, no way. A spastic starting pitcher, now even weaker players in the weak positions, and an excitable but weak manager. Sadly, no way.

Bert, North Chelmsford, MA