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.

Sit tight?  It's trade time, silly  —  About that Mets pitching crisis, we'll get a better idea of just how serious it is when Pedro Martinez makes his much-anticipated return to the rotation against the Braves in Atlanta tomorrow night - at which time Omar Minaya will have to decide …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.