AP BRIEFS

BASEBALL

NEW YORK - Jason Giambi will meet with George Mitchell, agreeing right before baseball commissioner Bud Selig's deadline to cooperate with the steroids investigator.

Giambi, who for the first time publicly admitted he had a ''personal history regarding steroids,'' will become the first active player known to speak with the former Senate majority leader. No date was set for their session.

The New York Yankees star announced his decision after he spoke on the phone with Selig. Lawyers for the players' union and Major League Baseball reached a written agreement that set rules for the meeting.

AUTO RACING

OAKVILLE, Calif. - Dale Earnhardt Jr. has signed an endorsement deal with Sony Electronics, but he still isn't saying what role longtime sponsor Budweiser will have with him when he joins Hendrick Motorsports next season.

His deal with Sony is a personal services contract that gives the company use of his name, likeness and voice for promotions. He also has a similar deal with Budweiser that will continue next year, regardless of what's on his car.

Budweiser has been Earnhardt's primary sponsor since 1999, and the beer manufacturer wants to continue its relationship with him at Hendrick. But car owner Rick Hendrick isn't actively pursuing new sponsors, and it's possible Bud could get shut out.

GOLF

CROMWELL, Conn.- Hunter Mahan shot an 8-under 62 to take the first-round lead at the Travelers Championship before play was suspended with 39 golfers still on the course.

The round was one stroke off the course record and it was his sixth consecutive round in the 60s at the TPC at River Highlands.

Mahan shot a 31 on his first nine holes, made par at 10, then birdied his next four holes.

A rain delay of over an hour didn't seem to faze him, as he came back out and birdied 17.

That run allowed him to overtake early leader Chris DiMarco who shot a 64 despite an ailing shoulder.