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 the red sox can win with this line up, but they will not, because they have a manager who does not know anything about playing the game of baseball.

jerry, woonsocket

Interesting question to ponder: Have we put ourselves in a position to favor fielding over hitting? Given the new additions to SS & 1st Base, this effectively removes the best hitting SS in team history, moves part-time 1st Basemen Millar & Ortiz further into the background, and replaces them with weaker hitting players. So, we've now put ourselves in a position to rely solely on pitching as a way to win in the playoffs and World Series due to a weakened hitting lineup. That's a lot of pressure on a pitching staff that has yet to prove itself as strong this year as it was last year. This is a zero-sum tradeoff. Good luck!!!

Rob, Hingham

Are the Sox out of their mind? I thought Theo might be different. How could they trade Nomar for these two bums. Clemens Bagwell Ruth Young Nomar Lynn I don't know if they can win with this lineup. All I know is the Red Sox like to give future Hall Fame players away in their prime for nothing. Theo should be ashamed

Anthony, Everett

Nomar was the best hitter in baseball and a very good fielder. I'd rather have Millar at first than Mien... So what is the advantage? The Sox are now a worse team and they were struggling before. Sorry they do not make the playoffs.

Mike, Lille Maine

The issue was not defense on the left side. It has been defense on the right side (epitmozed by Ortiz's botching of Tony Clark's grounder in NY in June!). Mientkiewicz was not going to get a lot of playing time and we could have gotten him for cash and a minor leaguer.

Francis, Arlington, VA

The Sox can absolutely win without Nomar. He was uninterested, complaining, and frequently injured all year. His approach to hitting produced a good batting average, but a lousy on-base percentage. In the field he had lost a step. The new players will be re-vitalized by stepping into a pennant race, in a city that fervently cares. They will not pollute the atmosphere the way Garciaparra did. Things will defintely be better.

Thomas, Watertown, CT

I was brought up in Brookline but I still follow the Red Sox like a vice even from out here and yes, I do think they can win with this lineup. What we sometimes forget is that good defense is a lot like a good bat. While timely runs can be scored on hits, better Red Sox defense can prevent the opposition from getting runs which lead to Red Sox wins. Nomie didn't play everyday. We knew that and Theo HAD to do something about the poor defense. Wasn't anybody tired of watching Nomar throw the ball away? Or watching Ortiz and Millar try in vain to play even a decent first base? As fans, it's hard for all of us to be practical because our emotions takeover so much more easily than a GM. Some pitching would have been nice but I understand that it was a complex trade. I believe Theo made the right move and our team will win more games. It's up to the players now.......

stuart, Osaka, Japan

Win?? I was just wondering why my winter came three months earlier than other's. They are going nowhere....

wei, Taipei, Taiwan

There are no all stars in the Sox front office. A huge blunder. You don't trade guys who dedicate themselves like Nomar. While I feel that baseball salaries are out of wack,since they are what they are, I think Nomar deserved to be the highest payed on the team. I do not believe he would have walked after the season. The good news is: Arn Tellum is gone too. Bill Bellichick would be my choice to replace Theo & Terry.

Richard, Old Town, Me.

I do not think Theo was behind this. Very BAD move, RS did not get VALUE received for VALUE given up. I do not think I can wear my RS cap around town anymore as I am sure I would be laughed at!

Ed V, Santa Fe NM