The Rumor Mill: The Maine Attraction.  —  As the trade deadline approaches, both New York clubs are still focused on their targets, but the cast of characters that are being discussed seem to be changing from hour to hour .  That's the word that Gotham Baseball Magazine is getting as we make the rounds for this latest Rumor Mill.

Nats Rally in 9th, Win 5th in a Row  —  Kearns's Sacrifice Fly Caps Two-Run Comeback Off Benitez: Nationals 4, Giants 3  —  Austin Kearns has been a Washington National for exactly two weeks.  But only last night did he officially arrive.  —  Kearns delivered his first big blow for his new club …

A's hit jackpot with Thomas  —  A'S GENERAL MANAGER Billy Beane knew about designated hitter Frank Thomas' medical woes.  He realized Thomas had fractured his left ankle twice and missed most of the past two seasons with the Chicago White Sox.  —  So when the possibility of signing Thomas …

Lieber's latest name for rotation  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - The Yankees, looking to upgrade their rotation by Monday's non-waiver trade deadline, have inquired about Phillies righthander Jon Lieber, according to a person familiar with the situation.  —  Lieber has struggled …

M's gain, drop a DH  —  Club trades for Broussard, sends Everett packing  —  Eduardo Perez and Ben Broussard began the season as platoon partners, and it looks like they'll end it the same way.  —  Less than a month after acquiring Perez from the Cleveland Indians, the Mariners …

Brewers still considering trading Lee  —  The Brewers are still trying to decide whether to trade left fielder Carlos Lee, still weighing all the variables as the countdown to Monday's non-waiver deadline continues.  —  Lee, 30, is a free agent after this season, and the Brewers plan to make one last push to sign him.

A's put hurting on Sox  —  Thomas belts two homers as Oakland salvages series finale  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — They are 100 games into the schedule, four days from the trading deadline, and nine weeks from the end of the season.  —  A good day to take the temperature of your Boston Red Sox?

Tales of Torre Tales  —  This is perhaps the only baseball story you will ever read that starts out with a snake.  —  Texas left-hander Kameron Loe has a pet boa constrictor named Angel.  It's seven feet long and he brings it to Ameriquest Field on occasion and lets it slither around the infield grass.

Benson sent to O's doctor … KANSAS CITY, MO. // The Orioles sent Kris Benson back to Baltimore yesterday to have his right elbow examined after the starting pitcher complained of soreness in his pitching arm after his start on Tuesday night.  —  Benson is scheduled to see team doctor Andy Cosgarea today …

Notes: Mays designated for assignment  —  Pitcher's departure leaves Saturday's starter undetermined  —  HOUSTON — The Reds' attempted reclamation project of pitcher Joe Mays came to an end on Wednesday.  —  Mays was designated for assignment when the club needed roster space for the activation …

Run away, Roger!  It's time to bolt to Sox  —  So what do you think, Roger?  Was it something you said?  Do your teammates not like you?  Maybe they harbor unspoken resentment over your special privileges with the Houston Astros in which you basically come and go as you please.

Pena knows good deal, wants to stay  —  OAKLAND - He could turn out to be the next David Ortiz, only the right-handed version.  A player with enormous offensive upside, untapped by his prior teams.  —  Or, Wily Mo Pena could wind up a bust.  —  The Red Sox figured they would eventually strike gold …

DC mayor wants to discuss parking  —  Williams responds to Nationals' concerns over deadlines  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — Calling the Washington Nationals' new ownership group "condescending," Mayor Anthony A. Williams responded Wednesday to criticism that parking lots around the team's new stadium won't be finished on time.

The Clock's Ticking for Hernandez  —  Washington Nationals right-hander Livan Hernandez knows today will be his final start before Monday's trade deadline, and he is savvy enough to understand he could be dealt.  —  "It's not what I want, and I don't want to see it," Hernandez said.