Nationals thump Mets, lead over Phillies is 2  —  The Nationals are a team of up-and-comers and reclamation projects.  There isn't a household name on the roster and they've been out of the playoff picture pretty much since the season started.  And now they have become an enormous headache for the Mets at a critical juncture.

Padres fall into tie for wild-card lead  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bud Black still likes San Diego's situation with six games to go, even though the Padres' problems are mounting.  —  Fast.  —  Missing two injured outfielders, San Diego lost its fourth straight game Monday night — and sole possession of the wild-card lead.

In the season's last week, they need to stay on top of things  —  The playoff-bound Red Sox are home tonight to start the final six games of the regular season, and manager Terry Francona continues to straddle the line between playing for the division title (and the best record in the league) …

Pitching coach opts to 'explore options'  —  Pitching coach Rick Kranitz has left the Marlins because of what sources described as a dispute over his salary for next season.  —  With a 66-90 record and six games left, the Marlins are headed toward one of the worst finishes in their 15-year history, largely because of poor pitching.

Lynn: Ellsbury has familiar look  —  In 15 games as a September call-up, the Red Sox [team stats]' 6-foot-1, lean, left-handed center fielder went 18-for-43, hitting .419 with two doubles, two triples, two home runs and 10 RBI, setting the stage for a historic rookie season.

East Races Are as Different as N.L. and A.L.  —  At 6:08 p.m. on my laptop digital clock yesterday, both New York teams had the bases loaded.  Alex Rodriguez was at bat in the Bronx while Carlos Delgado was up in Florida, two of the great hitters of this generation.

Notes: Harris pleased with Kearns  —  Hitting coach happy with slugger's second-half production  —  NEW YORK — Nationals interim hitting coach Lenny Harris has been on the job since May and he said his most pleasant surprise has been right fielder Austin Kearns.

Hill shut down for season  —  Righty will need surgery for nerve problem in forearm  —  NEW YORK — Nationals right-hander Shawn Hill will miss the rest of the season because of a nerve problem in his right forearm.  Like right-hander John Patterson before him, the radial nerve needs to be decompressed.

Mazzone's magic yet to mend Orioles' mound woes  —  BALTIMORE — Leo Mazzone arrived in Baltimore nearly two years ago armed with immaculate credentials, a three-year, $1.5 million contract and a Herculean assignment: return the Orioles pitching staff to respectability.

Yankees Rookies Dress Up in Oz Costumes  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Joba Chamberlain raised his oversized paws, shook his shaggy brown mane and let out a feeble roar.  Looking and acting every bit the Cowardly Lion, the big reliever was ready for a scrap Monday.  —  "Put 'em up!

Rondell White is "99 percent" sure this will be his last week as a ballplayer  —  DETROIT (AP) — Rondell White plans to retire after finishing this season with the Minnesota Twins.  —  The popular outfielder and designated hitter said there is a "99 percent chance" he will hang up his spikes for good after this week.

Erstad: Take it and move on  —  Sox outfielder-first baseman not dwelling on unproductive 2007  —  The mind truly is a terrible thing to waste.  —  In some cases, an even scarier place to visit.  —  Welcome to the world of White Sox veteran Darin Erstad, where you enter at your own risk.

Drafting in the Top 10 a risky business  —  White Sox will be careful when selecting a prospect next June  —  CHICAGO — Remember Mark Merchant?  How about Ty Griffin or Jeff Jackson?  —  The last two names potentially hold some significance for White Sox fans, but all three players serve …