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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They could not have made a better deal in any circumstance. Nomar was gone a year end, trade value down. Achilles injury, a very iffy thing if not allowed to heal properly over time. Defensively the Sox were in a bind and needed help at both Shortstop and First Base. Surrounded by the good hitters in the lineup, the two new additions should get their respective hitting acts a help the Sox to, at the least, the wildcard and beat the Yankees for the ACLS.

Gordon, Johnson City, TN

NO, THIS TEAM DOES NOT HAVE WHAT IT TAKES. ALL THESE PLAYERS WHO HAD THE SEASON OF THEIR LIVES LAST YEAR ARE EXPECTED TO DO IT AGAIN. COME ON. SEE YOU BOYS ON THE GOLF COURSE IN SEPT. SO LONG TERRY.

smitty, WHIPPANY NEW JERSEY

Of course the Sox CAN win with this lineup. The question is, is it more LIKELY that they will win with this lineup. I say yes. For one thing, the ability to mix'n'match the three new guys throughout the lineup gives Tito better match-up opportunities. More importantly, the better defense (two gold glovers!) should settle the pitching staff down. Chill out Boston - we all miss Nomar, but this really was a good move for the team - for this year and beyond.

Mike, Alexandria, VA

NO; I THINK THAT IT WAS A MISTAKE TO TRADE GARCIAPARRA. OUR DIEFENCE BECAME A LITLLE BETTER BUT OUR LINEUP BECAME MUCH WEAKER

alexander , BRONX, NY

No, it won't help much; two weak bats although beter defense. However, the bigger problems are a weak manager and emotional egos ala Manny, who plays when he wants to. Team lacks chemistry and leadership. Also, pitching is ok with #1 and 2 starters BUT if either gets hurt, it's over as Lowe and Arroyo are very weak!

pete, brighton

NOMAR DID NOT WANT TO STAY. HE TURNED DOWN A$60M EXTENSION LAST YEAR - HE WANTED $70M !! THE SOX PICKED UP TWO PLAYERS THAT CAN HELP THEM WIN. A GOOD MOVE BY THEO AND MANAGEMENT

FRANK, ESSEX JCT VERMONT

I fully understand that Nomar was not going to stay with Red sox after this season. However, we should of got alot more for Nomar. For example a starting pitcher. We lost a very strong bat for players that cant hit. I am afraid we have weaken this team, I feel that they will still have a very hard time even making the post season. So all I can say at this point. GO PATS.

steven, tyngsboro,mass

Yes, good trade......

Marc, Peabody, MA

Simple as this, if Cabrera and Mientkiewicz perform like they did last year, for the last two months, the redsox are a better team. If they continue to perform as they are, they are a worse team. It is a chance, but it is a chance i like. They need to shake things up, and improve their defense, and they did both. I love the move. Hats off the Theo Epstein.

Frank , Buffalo

The problems the Sox have are not solved by the changes at least on the surface. They lose the close ones at an alarming rate, to me that reflects team mentality and one must look at the manager's performance. Someone should look up the starters' records in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings and wonder why they are left in too often to lose games that are winnable, doesn't anybody remember game 7?

Paul, Northampton