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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Yes, they can win. Better defensively where they were really breaking down. Maybe will increase the consistency. We got the other big hitters to get the job done and the additions aren't what you would call bad hitters. GO SOX!!!

Bob, Murrieta, CA.

Yes, Yes, Now we can win 4 to 3 games instead of 9 to 8 defeats. We have lost a great player and I will miss him dearly, but our clubs fielding was horrible. Now when Reese gets back we will be one of the strongest up the middle with Jason catching, Orlando at short, Reese at second and Dave Roberts in center we will be one of if not the strongest defense in the league. Now if Francomma can come out of his comma and start using the new speed and ply small ball.

Darrell, West Enfield Maine

Quit whining-You lost a good player who didn't want to play for you lousy managment. You recieved in Doug a player who plays his heart and soul and was the team leader of the Twins. He is great defensively and while this year is off offensively he consistenly hits well above his current average(batting over .300 twice).. What else can you say about someone who recieved a standing ovation in his first atbat yesterday.

Patrick, Minneapolis

I want to say yes, however, I really don't know. We have sacraficed a lot of power for defense and Nomar could play pretty good defense. It would have been good to get a pitcher in the deal. Somebody will have to take Nomar's place at the plate. All this said, I don't really blame management. I feel they made honest overtures to Nomar contract but the greedy agent said no. Nomar left a team that has a lot better chance at post-season than the one he is on now.

Danny, Florence, SC

Absolutely. Our defense has been so shabby that something had to be done. Unfortunately, we did have to trade Nomar, who I have loved from the moment he put on the RedSox uniform. But I think Orlando and Doug will have a huge impact to the defense. Offensively, I know Nomar's bat will be missed and hope that these guys will be able to produce.

Theresa, Queens, NY

So the first error without Nomah is at shortstop. How fitting is that. Now it is guaranteed that Nomah will never win a world series and neither will Theo Epstien. Yes we can still win and win big, but I will miss number 5 swinging at the first pitch. Now number 33 is my favorite player. Nice Theo you cheap dumbass.

Eric, Easton

They should not of gotin rid of Nomar it was a big mistake.

Shauna, Norwell

I solute Theo and the Sox management for making this very unpopular move. To be honest, Nomar will NOT resign with BoSox and losing him at the end of this season for nothing is unacceptable. Can we all admit that his heart was no longer in Boston after last winter? He has been taking regular days off this season and is rumored to have requested disable list treatment in August. If his heel miraculouly heals in the windy city, I will want my money back for the days Nomar claimed to be too weak to play in Boston. No more Nomar is just what we need.

Min, Boston

A decent defense should (maybe) convert Lowe from a liability to a decent pitcher. With Arroyo performing well, it gives us some serious pitching depth and a rotation that should at least clinch the wildcard. Catching the Yanks is not realistic at this stage, sadly, but if we put our impressive run output together with some basic defense, we can stop playing .500 ball with one of the best offenses in the league. Then maybe we can get some consistent form going that will serve us well in the post-season. I can dream...

Fatboy, Red Sox Nation, England chapter

this team, with nomar was a .500 team at best. theo went out and made an uncomfortable situation, no matter what the teams says, and made this club collectively better.

matt, bow