Challenge Is Issued, and Maine Responds  —  The Chicago Cubs were threatening to break up a scoreless game in the sixth inning yesterday when John Maine reached a crossroads in his season.  From the dugout, Manager Willie Randolph could sense it, too, so he made a rare visit to the mound to offer him a challenge.

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 …

Foulke Considers Calling It Quits  —  Injuries Frustrating Former Closer  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — Keith Foulke is trying to salvage more than this season.  Hampered by injuries the past 18 months, his career has taken such a drastic downturn that the former closer isn't sure he wants to pitch beyond this year.

Padres-Rockies Preview  —  Lots of pitchers fare poorly in Coors Field, but few have more trouble there than San Diego Padres starter Woody Williams .  —  Williams looks to end his struggles at the hitter-friendly Colorado ballpark and lead the Padres to their second five-game winning streak …

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.

Lies, Damned Lies  —  Playing Matchmaker  —  How beautiful would it be to acquire Alfonso Soriano?  That depends on just who the beholder is.  There are probably seven teams that are legitimate contenders to acquire Soriano, or one of the two other big bats on the market—Bobby Abreu and Carlos Lee …

Agressive Astros looking to add more 'punch'  —  The defending National League champion Astros plan a major push to add an impact hitter before Monday's non-waiver deadline.  —  How major?  —  The club intends to be "super-aggressive," one major-league official says …

Rays Likely To Offer Lugo Long-Term Deal  —  No - his trade value will never be higher  —  More from this channel:  —  This feature requires the Macromedia Flash Plugin.  Please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/ getflashplayer to download this plugin.  —  ST. PETERSBURG …

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?

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.

Giambi Ends Seesaw Battle, and Yankees Gain Ground  —  ARLINGTON, Tex., July 26 — When it was over — after five Yankees relievers, four lead changes, two booming homers and one pivotal missed bunt — one fact stood out about the Yankees' wild 8-7 win over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.

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 …

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 …