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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Well to tell you the truth, the sox are going to be horrible without Nomar. Not now maybe not next year but maybe in 5. The Red Sox pay all the players saleries mostly with money they make from ticket sales. Nomar was one of the only reasons wives and girlfriends would let there husbands or boyfriends bring them to games. To see Nomar and his geogeus face. Without ticket sales theres no money to pay for Manny or Pedro or Trot. The season is ova. O-V-A.

Casey, Pittsfield MA

They need Grady Little and Nomar to win it all. They were the heart and soul of the team. This is what it takes to be winners. The kids are suffering, like me. Nomar might not be a gold glover but he can do stuff better than these jokers.

Ethan, Salem, NY

Short answer - yes...but... Long answer - This is about more than the remainder of 2004. While the Bosox have a definite shot a greater things this year, the thinking must go beyond the realm of winning it all this year. This team can win it all for MANY years. There are quality guys who need to be signed to long term deals ie: Varitek (the most valuable catcher in baseball?), Pedro (he can win and his passion on the mound is second to none). And there are areas that need tightened up ie: 4th and 5th starters, team speed, defense (although greatly improved yesterday). Make it a long term plan with short term expectations, not the other way around, and this team could be the beginning of a dynasty.

Mark, Columbus, Ohio

I loved Nomar as much as anyone....but something had to be done with that 2nd rate defense. It was costing them too many games. Look at where the Sox rated with team era and batting....near or at the top....then why are they 8 and a half games out of first and in danger of not getting a wild card? Defense....... Seton Mike

setonmike, Plattsburgh, NY

Does anyone remember seeing Nomar *sitting* on the bench while the rest of the team was at the rail watching during the Yankee series? He's a crybaby, and I'd rather have a gamer like Mientkiewicz than someone who can't get past his personal problems ($60M over four years is a problem?) to root for his teammates. The offense is fine; as someone already noted, they had a better record without Nomar (37-27) than they did with him (19-19). I have a problem with a stuffed infield (when Reese gets back, who sits? I hope it isn't Bellhorn) and a stuffed outfield (when Nixon gets back, who sits? I hope it isn't Millar), but it's nice to have a few gold gloves now and, as someone already noted, that'll help Lowe. The best thing the Red Sox can do is break with tradition and re-up Varitek, Lowe, and Martinez during the season. That would go a long way toward promoting team unity and propelling them into the playoffs.

Rob, Kennewick, WA

In my 40 some odd years of being an ardent Red Sox fan this is the worst move management has ever made. Nomar played hard every night and deserved far better than this. Last night's loss is an indication of where things are going to end this year -- more disapointment -- because the whole team will be affected.

Jeff, Mill Valley, CA

I really believe our chances have improved for post season play. We now have a award winning first baseman and a very very good shortstop. Nomar GarciaPara was going to be a free agent in the fall anyway. He seemed to be looking else where rather than extend his contract so we are better off. Also Nomar has been plauged with that achllies tendonitis on and off so now the postion is stable. Also we are giving up some on the offensive side but if damon millar ortiz mueller and martinez swing well we should be extremely pleased with what Theo was able to do for the Nation.

Jane, South Windsor

The Red Sox have a better chance this year without Nomar. Read Dan Shaughnessy's column today if you have any doubts. Nomar was angry and was dragging the team down. Now, they can build a better team spirit.

Paul, Concord, NH

I think in some way it is a good idea that Nomar was traded but i dont understand why we just didnt trade him for A-Rod. Well i will miss him and i will still watch him. The Red Sox now have to gold glovers but it still hurts alot of people to see nomar gone. I dont know where Kevin Millar willl be playing beacus ur have David as the Designated hitter and like Kapler as the right feilder for now till trot comes back. But I am suprised we traded Nomar and not Lowe. The Red Sox will have maybe a better Defence but not that the better bats like Nomar came with.

Adam, Burlington

We'll see after Nomar plays a few games with the Cubs. If he's in the lineup everyday, then we'll know his slow come-back (or even the injury itself) was his attempt to stick it to Red Sox management. If so, they had to get rid of him. If not, we'll probably miss his bat in the playoffs.

Greg, Boston