Soriano says he won't re-sign with Nationals if they trade him  —  Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano understands he could be the key chip for Washington to rebuild its depleted farm system, but he said he can't see himself back in the nation's capital next year if he is dealt this season.

Willie is heard 'round mound & Atlanta  —  The rest of the regular season for the Mets began with John Maine throwing more shutout innings and then a terrific bullpen picking up Maine until Jose Valentin knocked in Carlos Beltran in the bottom of the 10th and the Mets walked off at Shea with another one.

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 …

Mariners acquire Broussard from Indians  —  SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners were the first team in the mediocre AL West to reshape their roster.  Despite entering Wednesday four games under .500, the Mariners made significant moves five days before the trade deadline, acquiring …

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 …

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.

Idea Is to Get Kendrick's Bat in Lineup  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It's hard to think of your best position-playing prospect as a utility player, but if that's what it takes to get Howie Kendrick's potent bat in the lineup, the Angels will do it.  —  Kendrick, who came up through …

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 …

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?

Some signs of optimism despite loss  —  Prior's no-hit form, Cubs' overall effort provide hope  —  NEW YORK — Mark Prior had no-hit stuff against the New York Mets Wednesday at Shea Stadium, looking at times like the pitcher once compared with Tom Seaver.

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 …

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.

Royals pick up arms; Yankees could surprise  —  No general manager wins Executive of the Year for stockpiling pitching prospects, but what else is new Royals GM Dayton Moore supposed to do?  —  Moore obtained five young pitchers this week in deals for right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal …

Older players make final bids for Hall of Fame  —  At age 39, shortstop Omar Vizquel has a .276 average, 2,408 career hits and 10 Gold Gloves for defensive excellence, but because he plays in a power-hitting age, he's not sure his resume will be impressive enough to make the Hall of Fame.