Nomar Who?

[B-Man]

[ QUOTE ]
I think the trade was pretty much a push for both teams, except Boston just doesn't have to deal with Nomar anymore.

[/ QUOTE ]

I ripped it at the time, but the trade has been a spectacular success for the Red Sox. Their defense has improved tremendously (take a look at how many unearned runs they gave up before the trade, and how many after), and they have a shortstop who plays every day. On paper it looked bad, but the results speak for themselves. In this case, the intangible benefit of getting rid of a guy who was poisoning the lockerroom can not be overlooked.

[ QUOTE ]
I did notice though that Mienkiewitz has been sucking since the trade.

[/ QUOTE ]

That stats don't show his defensive contributions, which have been significant. The guys on the local sports radio show were even commenting today that it seems as if he makes a superb (not just good) defensive play almost every time he plays.

He'll never be an offensive force, but he's nice to have around when Lowe (who gets a ton of ground balls) is pitching, or as a defensive replacement.