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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The Sox have gotten better defensively yes, and we still have a shot to go to the world series, but no one should knock Nomar he was amazing for the Sox, He played hard day in and day out and he will be missed. I loved Nomar as a Red Sox player and I will still be a fan of his as a Cub. I think the trade was a good one for all parties involved and it should be an interesting next couple of months. Now for me more than ever a Red Sox vs. Cubs world series matchup would be amazing. I now have a second team to root for in the Cubs. GO SOX

Robert, Boston

Yesterday, I had doubts. Today, I believe the Sox are a better team. Read Dan Shaughnessy's column.

Ace, Scottsdale, AZ

No they can't!! Pedro was right on the money this spring when he tried to tell everyone that this ownership is lying to the fans - they are doing NOTHING to try to sign their important free agents. Nothing.

Karen, Weston

Absolutely, Nomore has not played the whole year and was he was playing his defense was terrible, as was most of the infield except for Pokey. We sure op the defense and all of sudden you win 2-1 or 3-2 if your not getting timely hitting. Pitchers ERA'S get better when CATCH THE BALL...

Marvin, Chelsea

Ok, so we only score 873 runs this year with Nomar gone. The Red Sox will win with this team. Not only will the Sox let up less runs per game they will beat the Yankees in the AL East. Quote it, write it, print it. That's my story and I'll see you outside of Fenway Park in October. To riot in victory.

Andrew , Newark, DE

I'm terribly sad that we won't be able to shout, "Nomah," and witness his bizarre rituals at the plate any more, but it was clear Nomar did not consider himself to be part of this team. My biggest concern is that we now seem to have either offensive or defensive players, and few that are both. On offense, Manny, Millar, Ortiz, and on defense, Pokey, Cabrera, Kapler, Doug M (I'm not learning how to spell it yet), and Roberts. The problem is, you can only play 9 guys at a time.

JG, DC

I am hopeful, providing Cabrerra hits. However, both Roberts and Cabreera can steal... but as we all know... the Red Sox clubhouse manager issues cement cleats to every player. Why, since 1918, the Red Sox claim they cannot win by stealing bunting and hitting doubles is beyond me. Aside from the #3 and #4 hitters... Damon, Reese, Cabrarra, and Roberts should all have 25+ steals in a full season with the Sox. But we all know none of them will have more thaan 15, except maybe one. Pointless... we all know they will be idiotic and sit Reese for whats his face.. bellhorn. So disturbing... steal, steal steal!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dana, Portlsnd, ME

Why Nomar? Honestly the two players that the Sox traded for don't match up to Garciaparra. I realize the Redsox defense was lacking, if anything they should of went for a key pitcher.

Marty, Natick

If coached right I think this team can do very well. I think they need to obviously utilize the talent of these players and start to play small-ball. This lineup has probably more speed than any Sox team I can remember. This mixture of power and speed can be VERY exciting. Look at the Angels a few years ago. They were great to watch. The thing about the Anels was that they were also VERY well coached. I think whether this lineup will work or not is up to Francona. He needs to make the right decisions. I think he will...........I hope.

Matt, Lewiston, Maine

You what I am not getting in all this outcry for Nomar. HE DIDNT RESIGN WITH THE RED SOX. He was leaving at the end of the season people... We would have nothing in return in that case. Who would be at fault then? Don't let your emotions roll away from you and forget that we have two very good players.

Cindy, Peabody