Ready for the Mitchell Report? Totally psyched? Man, it’s just like the World Series, only with allegations of drug use instead of baseball games. I can’t believe it’s almost here, just in time for [insert winter holiday of choice].
Howard Bryant at ESPN writes a detailed piece outlining the troublesome nature of this investigation (hat tip to Baseball Musings). You really need to read the entire article, but here are a few little nuggets worth mentioning:
The teams’ general managers, too, felt pressured by questions that led them to believe the Mitchell report will judge them harshly for condoning widespread drug use …read more

Barry Bonds hit two home runs Thursday in a loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. It’s a good thing, too, because Bonds’ pursuit of Hank Aaron’s record is about the only thing going for the Giants right now.
San Francisco is now 39-54 on the season and has slipped “ahead” of the Astros and Nationals in the battle for worst team in the league. The Giants’ lineup is ancient and, with the exception of Bonds and Ryan Klesko, they’re playing like it. The bullpen has been shaky, and the rotation hasn’t been much better (with the weakest link being $126 …read more

ESPN reports that commissioner Bud Selig is “leaning toward suspending” New York Yankees designated hitter Jason Giambi for the latter’s recent comments about steroid use. From the article:
After hearing of Giambi’s comments, Selig offered the slugger a deal: Talk to [lead investigator Sen. George] Mitchell and “cooperate fully” or you will face disciplinary action.
Is it me, or does this sound like an offer Giambi can’t refuse? Look, I’m no great fan of the MLBPA — it’s difficult to sympathize with the working conditions of millionaires — but when stuff like this happens, I’m reminded of why it has become so …read more