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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I think the trade will help. That's if we have a manager that will start playing small ball. I don't mean trying to steal with one no outs in the 9th inning and trailing by a run. What an idiot! Did we try to trade for the manager? He's not going to be here nex year either!

Randy, Newport Beach, CA

Yes, they can win with this lineup. Sure it would have been nice to get pitching, but the defensive additions willl make the pitching better. Look, they had a potent offense that did not include Nomar for the first third of the season. The offensive numbers were staggering without him. But the defense stunk. Manny and Ortiz and Mueller and Damon and Tek and Bellhorn and the rest will carry the offense. As far as the Nomar's departure, he'll be happy if he grows some thicker skin. If he thought he was miserable with Boston's media, wait until he boots his first grounder here or throws one away. The sports media here is insufferable and unintelligent. He thinks they picked on him in Boston? He'll be more misunderstood here. He'll hate Chicago more. He won't be here long. The honeymoon will be short.

Chris, Batavia, Ill.

Nomar is a great baseball player who would have helped the Red Sox go as far as possible this season. Trading Nomar as they did does not not bring the Red Sox what they need: another dependable starting (or bullpen) pitcher. It was a bad thing for Red Sox Nation.

Josh, Boston

Not a chance now. That lineup is about as potent as iceburg lettuce. Thanks a lot, Theo, for making it once again EMBARRASSING to be a Red Sox fan. You just lost the only home-grown superstar the Red Sox have had in decades.

Karen, Weston

Absolutely. Its moronic to think it can't. Ortiz and Ramirez are playing MVP ball. Minky and Cabrera will do well. Nomar was a good player, not great. His slugging perctentage was slipping every year since 1999. This romantic image some fans had of him was simply not there anymore. What is forgotten from yesterday is the nice deal to get Roberts. That may be the best pickup of all.

Matt, So Cal

Sure, they can win without Nomar. They were winning without Nomar earlier in the season and they were winning without Nomar for much of the 2001 season. The problem lies in the fact that last year's negotiations were completely botched (offer Nomar $15 mil. per year, he counters with $17 per, and you can't work it out, instead deciding to insult him later by lower your offer), they couldn't seal the ARod deal, and now they've acquired two mediocre players for one of the best players in the game. Embree proved to us again last night that the bullpen needs some serious help and Theo couldn't land a pitcher in addition to all of this. Pitiful.

Rock, Frederick, MD

I am a die hard Red Sox fan and follow them on line and thru any Tv or print media possible on any given day. Growing up in Dorchester I like my father before me watched the Sox at every chance we could and went to as many games as economically possible for our family. I have owned many Sox caps over the years but only one jersey and that was #5. I really hope that this new lineup makes the difference because Nomar did not seem to want to be in Boston any longer and it was time for him as well as the Sox to move on. P.S. my dad passes away on 02/16/04 at age 82 , that's the same day the Evil Empire swept in and signed A-Rod. Guess he was tired of waiting and now I must wait for him.

Jonathan, Ft. Lauderdale/Dorchester

This years team has been a huge disappointment. I'm not sure they would have made the playoffs the way things were or the way there are now. When I first saw Nomar's big picture on ESPN's website with a Cubs hat, I was excited because I thought that meant we had Matt Clemente, but when I read who we got I was pretty disappointed. Yankees got Loiza, we got a couple gloves, the gap widens.

Marc, Waterville, ME

Addition by Subtraction! Nomar was a disgruntled player who took his dislike for the media and ownership out on his teammates and fans. If we haven't learned by now (Patriots) a team first attitude is the foundation that Championship teams are built upon. Add also the fact that you improved your infield defense 100% and also picked up an above average defense outfielder who can steel bases late in the game. Theo has come to the realization that small ball in October wins Championships.

Robb, Attleboro

Yes They Will Win with the new Guys a new shortstop,new right fielder and 1st baseman yes Start Winning Now and The Time is Now. I am So Happy that The Diamondbacks Kept The Big Unit,The Yankees Got Snubbed and The Fenway Faithful Got Happy and Now we can breathe easy.Thanks Theo Smart Move to out edge The Yankees It's about time.It's Early August and Maybe It will be the Red Sox Month after all and The Maybe The Yankees will fall out of first place with Gay Rod going to be suspended soon by that time Ortiz,Tek and Kapler will serve their Suspensions and they will all be playing at the same time pre haps next weekend and I hope the Red Sox can win In Tampa and Detroit and maybe the Road record will Improve before a triumphed return to Fenway will be rewarding.Maybe In September the sox can finish off the Yanks and Win the season series.Go Red Sox and Win In August.!!!!!

Jeff, Gorham Maine