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 and the fans got screwed on the Nomar trade....no way can the Sox make the playoffs now.

Mike C, Boston

I believe that Theo did the correct thing in trading Nomar. The Sox needed to improve defensively, especially for Lowe, Wakefield and Arroyo. The two new players are much better defensively and we should see more double plays and ground ball outs that Nomar simply could not perform. While he is a great hitter, he lacked the ability to turn the double play and his range is less than most shortstops. It was evident when he returned, it was a defensive downgrade compared to Pokey Reese. This team still has a very viable offense and I think they can win. Good Luck to Nomar. Go Sox.

Steve, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Yes, the Red Sox can win with this lineup. Will they, well that remains to be seen but here is what I see happening. With the addition of Cabrera and Doug M. we have made a large improvement with the infield defense. We all know that we are losing some offense up the middle but thats the way it has to be in order to balance this team out. Truth is pitching and defense don't win championships or division titles, it's the balance between pitching,offense and defense that allows teams to be successful (yes on occasion teams do get lucky, hence the 86' Mets). The more a team is consistent in all 3 phases the more chances they have at winning. This years Red Sox lead in multiple offensive and pitching categories but have nothing to show for it. However they also lead in unearned runs (74), and what does that show? It shows one side of the scale is heavy with pitching and offense while the other side shows our defense up in the air, being unable to prove we are anywhere near the defensive elite. I think that the Nomah lovers of the world will quiet down once they see how different a team can be when they can turn the DP with consistency, scoop bad throws over to 1st out of the ground, and not allow any soft linedrives down the first baseline. You will see our starting 5 pitch with the kind of aggresiveness pitchers pitch with when they have the confidence of a strong defense behind them. With the exception of Schilling(and I think even he does it sometimes), I see most of this staff afraid to come after people because of how bad this defense has performed this yr. When you are a pitcher you need to be smart, you need to spot your pitches, but you also need to be aggressive and go after hitters or else they just play off your fears and will anticipate where you're going to throw next. I am looking forward to the final 2 months of the season, I only hope the sox have the will and the desire to take this resurgence of new energy and make it into a positive. Just get us to the playoffs and we'll ride the coatails of Schilling Martinez, and Lowe. Yes Lowe, watch how different a pitcher he is when he knows that none of his groundballs are leaving the infield. Good luck sox and to everyone else, lets get behind this team because you know what? This is the team that will give the 2004 red sox the best chance to win it this year!

Corey, Sudbury

To the first poster: Cabrera and Roberts weren't even at the game last night, and the sox maintained their .500 road record, so how about holding off on the criticism until they both show up and play?

dave, shrewsbury

Sad as it is, Nomar was gone after this season anyway, and we would've gotten nothing in return. I know the offense has taken a shot, but putting runs on the board hasn't been a big problem this year - allowing runs has been the problem, specifically unearned runs. I believe this trade can make the Sox better, but if it doesn't then Theo may be the next to go.

Robert , Nashville (but from New England)

If the chemistry is there they can win. In regards to trading Nomar, I hated seeing him leaving, but you could tell he just was not happy.

Mark, Tampa

Have Fun in Chicago Nomar!! I am sorry you couldn't work things out but then again I kinda figured you really never wanted to be here in the first place. All I have to do is recall your opening day (The symbolism was just to much to bear) surgery two years ago to tell me all I needed to know about you. I too believe that he will be missed at first, but in the long run it will be a good deal for the Sox and us. Now all we have to do is find a manager that will put some fire in the rest of them and we will be more then OK !!

AL, Gulf Breeze, Florida

For nearly 80 yrs now I am reminded: a. the Babe b. buying the Phila. Athlectics in the 30's c.Danny Cater d. Mike Bodiker e. 3 capable ballplayers, well intentioned, but on the far side of the hill, we need up and comers. f. wait till next year; I hope I can

Don, Bangor, Me.

The Sox had the second worst defense in the AL (to Detroit) and the highest unearned runs allowed. Haven't the Sox ALSO scored the most runs in the AL? This new defense is going to make the difference between winning and losing close ballgames.

dave, shrewsbury

No, they can't and won't make the playoffs, because this is a terrible trade and completes the shipwreck begun last winter with the ARod fiasco. But I don't really care anymore if they can win. Trading Nomar is a disaster. Here it is again, trading another Hall-of-Famer, plus as popular and dedicated player as you could desire. Desire? It's gone.

Rober, Swannanoa, NC