Athletics send LHP Braden to minorsAthletics send LHP Braden to minors

The Oakland Athletics optioned left-handed pitcher Dallas Braden to Triple-A Sacramento and recalled left-handed pitcher Dan Meyer on Monday. Braden (1-7) lasted just 1 2-3 innings Sunday, allowing eight runs and seven hits in an 11-6 loss to the Detroit Tigers. He hasn’t won since April 24 — his first major league start — and is the first Oakland pitcher to lose more than six straight in one…

NFL investigation of Vick continuingNFL investigation of Vick continuing

Hanging in Arthur Blank’s opulent headquarters is a signed photograph of his star quarterback breaking away from a defender, a memento of happier times for the Atlanta Falcons. “To: Arthur. Thanks for everything. Michael Vick. #7.” Well, it looks as if that picture may soon be coming down. The Falcons said Tuesday they wanted to suspend Vick over dogfighting allegations, and their owner left open the…

Coyotes sign G Auld to 1-year contractCoyotes sign G Auld to 1-year contract

The Phoenix Coyotes signed goalie Alex Auld to a one-year contract on Monday. Auld, 26, went 7-13-5 with a 3.34 goals-against average last season with Florida. He is 46-44-13 in five NHL seasons with Florida and Vancouver, with a 2.89 GAA and .902 save percentage. Auld played for Canada in the 2006 World Hockey Championship and won a bronze medal with Canada at the 2001 World Junior Championship.

Ripken takes role as State Dept. envoyRipken takes role as State Dept. envoy

Jonathon Dalch of Alexandria, Va., left, gets a baseball autographed by Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. after a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, where Ripken was named a

Sports, not politics, will be Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr.’s emphasis in his new role as a special envoy for the State Department. “This isn’t a political statement for me, necessarily,” Ripken said Monday after Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice formally announced his appointment. “This is about the kids and planning baseball and using baseball for good reasons.” Ripken, who set the…