Mitchell Report Open Thread
I think it is a good idea to make an open thread for this topic.
Mitchell's press conference is at 1PM CST. Apparently it will be available on MLB.com. Selig has his own press conference scheduled for 3:30 CST.
So far ESPN is obsessing about Yankees who are named, including Clemens and Andy Pettitte. This is of course old news for the world that has not be in denial mode for the last few years.
Some hopeful news coming out. Apparently Selig will only be given a copy of the 400 page report one hour before it is released to the public. Also it is being reported that Mitchell places some of the blame on MLB owners (and thus the commissioner’s office.)
Mitchell is reportedly recommending that MLB now outsource their PED testing (which would be a huge and positive change in my opinion) and to allow players to be investigated who have not failed a urine test if other evidence exists. I am sure Mitchell is thinking about the growing number of players who have never tested positive but who we know were purchasing undetectable drugs.
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128 comments
Comments
The only question remaining
a) Ostracized
b) Castrated
c) Crucified
d) All of the above
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm not really down with the rumored
agreeing to being tested all the time is already a pretty big invasion...
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 12:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
the media will turn this into a shallow charade
by DC Royal on Dec 13, 2007 12:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
By offenders,
Eh, half a dozen of one, six of the other...
I choose D!
by powderbluesfor08 on Dec 13, 2007 12:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
While this is a charade...
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Selig disgusts me
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I just wouldn't hold the players blameless
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if steroids are supposedly harmful
either this is self-regulating and self-punishing, pr we need to change our anti-steroids PSAs
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Getting an unfair advantage in your sport
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
really?
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Really
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
By that logic
by powderbluesfor08 on Dec 13, 2007 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfair competitive advantage
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i just think its a chimera
but more to your point... i just really find it untenable that there is a bright line between "fair" and "unfair" training methods and procedures, between wholly OK training regimes with OK supplements and then Bad ones
then there is the issue of all the amazing surgical procedures we have in place (TJ surgery, etc.)
now you might say those just get you back to a previous level... but if steroids do that for someone in their late 30s, then whats the difference?
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Physiology altering chemicals
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha
by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Dec 13, 2007 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
assualt or assault????
by grudz69 on Dec 13, 2007 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
oh dear
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I came over here specifically...
by smtp from LGT on Dec 13, 2007 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Let's not pre-determine this report as a charade.
This might be the last best chance to bring MLB into line with other sports in terms of drug testing and sanctions. If this report fails I think the only option left is government involvement, and no one wants that.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 12:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It is a charade in that...
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We just do not know this yet.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
honestly what is accomplished by finding out
only in the very shakiest way does that help solve anything going forward
there is no reason for this report to name names other than sheer moral pettiness
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Beyond any doubt a large number of MLB
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Those players deserve it
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have no respect for anyone who cheats...
by powderbluesfor08 on Dec 13, 2007 12:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
My brush with fame
We all were lined up and had our picture taken with Mitchell individually. When it was my turn I shook his hand and said something like, "It is nice to meet you Senator Mitchell. And thank you for helping clean up baseball." Mitchell laughed a few seconds and said something in reply which I no longer remember. I think I was probably the only person in the line who thought of his baseball career before his government service.
Mitchell seemed like a very good guy during my 15 seconds with him. His speech during lunch was actually pretty funny and somewhat inspiring.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 12:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
mitchell is one politician
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 12:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He got his marching orders from Selig
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
what exactly are you suggesting
sounds like he's suggesting an independent testing agency. not sure what else one could do given the circumstances. at some point you have a diminishing return with regard to punitive actions.
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would suggest
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well, according to espn hearsay
i guess we'll see shortly...
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure it makes some such comment
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I trust him also.
I have no faith in Selig doing the right thing unless he thinks it is in his best interest. Selig fits into that huge category of "leaders" who have no sense of right or wrong. His whole world is angles and schemes. I'd be very happy if Mitchell replaced Selig so baseball could have a real commissioner again.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 1:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
much bigger fish
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
here's hoping mitchell gets to be commish someday
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
we need a real commis
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Selig is no longer owner of the Brewers
by cmkeller on Dec 13, 2007 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He still thinks like an owner though
by mazoboom on Dec 13, 2007 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He acts in the interests of owners
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just the fact that we are watching this news
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Regarding names
I hope the report forces the media to start focusing more on fixing the broken testing system than on who the bad guys are.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 12:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
its always just been about the names for the media
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Photo op time
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
all I have to say is...
by PhattStairs on Dec 13, 2007 1:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That bastard really pisses me off as well.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, strangely
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They're handing out copies at the press conf!
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 1:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
And trying to report on it before they've read it!
by mazoboom on Dec 13, 2007 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It will be posted on MLB.com today also.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am really glad Mitchell is talking about
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 2:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
A friend forwarded this list
Brady Anderson, Manny Alexander, Rick Ankiel, Jeff Bagwell, Bary Bonds,
Aaron
Boone, Rafaeil Bettancourt, Bret Boone, Milton Bradley, David Bell,
Dante
Bichette, Albert Belle, Paul Byrd, Wil Cordero, Ken Caminiti, Mike
Cameron,
Ramon Castro, Jose and Ozze Canseco, Roger Clemens, Paxton Crawford,
Wilson
Delgado, Lenny Dykstra, Johnny Damon, Carl Everett, Kyle Farnsoworth,
Ryan
Franklin, Troy Glaus, Rich Garces, Jason Grimsley, Troy Glaus, Juan
Gonzalez,
Eric Gagne, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Giambi, Jeremy Giambi, Jose
Guillen, Jay
Gibbons, Juan Gonzalez, Clay Hensley, Jerry Hairston, Felix Heredia,
Jr., Darren
Holmes, Wally Joyner, Darryl Kile, Matt Lawton, Raul Mondesi, Mark
McGwire,
Guillermo Mota, Robert Machado, Damian Moss, Abraham Nunez, Trot Nixon,
Jose
Offerman, Andy Pettitte, Mark Prior, Neifi Perez, Rafael Palmiero,
Albert
Pujols, Brian Roberts, Juan Rincon, John Rocker, Pudge Rodriguez, Sammy
Sosa,
Scott Schoenweiis, David Segui, Alex Sanchez, Gary Sheffield, Miguel
Tejada,
Julian Tavarez,Fernando Tatis, Maurice Vaughn, Jason Varitek, Ismael
Valdez,
Matt Williams and Kerry Wood
by DC Royal on Dec 13, 2007 2:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
that list has been floating around...
too many misspellings
by LeoBloom on Dec 13, 2007 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's the e-mail rumor list
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Players named in the Mitchell report include...
Lenny Dykstra
David Segui
Larry Bigbie
Brian Roberts
Jack Cust
Tim Laker
Josias Manzanillo
Todd Hundley
Mark Carreon
Hal Morris (former Royal)
Matt Franco
Rondell White (former Royal)
Roger Clemens
Andy Pettitte
Chuck Knoblauch (former Royal)
Jason Grimsley (former Royal)
Gregg Zaun (former Royal)
David Justice
F.P. Santangelo
Glenallen Hill
Mo Vaughn
Denny Neagle
Ron Villone
Ryan Franklin
Chris Donnels
Todd Williams
Phil Hiatt (former Royal)
Todd Pratt
Kevin Young (former Royal)
Mike Lansing
Cody McKay
Kent Mercker
Adam Piatt
Miguel Tejada
Jason Christiansen
Mike Stanton
Stephen Randolph
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Paul Lo Duca
Adam Riggs
Bart Miadich
Fernando Vina
Kevin Brown
Eric Gagne
Mike Bell
Matt Herges
Gary Bennett Jr.
Jim Parque
Brendan Donnelly
Chad Allen
Jeff Williams
Howie Clark
Exavier "Nook" Logan
Alleged internet purchasing:
Rick Ankiel
David Bell
Paul Byrd
Jose Canseco
Jay Gibbons
Troy Glaus
Jason Grimsley (again)
Jose Guillen (current Royal)
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Darren Holmes
Gary Matthews Jr.
John Rocker
Scott Schoenweis
Ismael Valdez
Matt Williams
Steve Woodard
This is just what I've gathered so far after skimming the report.
by DarthYoshi on Dec 13, 2007 2:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
FP Santangelo
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, Benito Santiago (former Royal)
by cmkeller on Dec 13, 2007 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, no call for a change to the current CBA
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 2:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Royals
Royals Mentioned
Paul Byrd
Benito Santiago
Hal Morris
Rondell White
Chuck Knobloch
Jason Grimsley
Greg Zaun
Phil Hiatt
Kevin Young
by BlueEyesAustin on Dec 13, 2007 2:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm burning my Hal Morris jersey right now
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you disgust me phi hiatt
does anyone blame him
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Full report now on-line
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 2:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
time for the server to crash
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
all in all, a pretty big yawn
time to move on
this whole thing just seems so feminine to me... endless analysis and pondering over things that are over and done with
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 2:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That's just it,
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree big yawn.
by TXroyal on Dec 13, 2007 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The big news...
As a long-time Maddux fan, I've been pissed because Clemens has passed Maddux in terms of career rate stats largely because of his continued excellence during his "decline phase". Maddux and Clemens followed different rules and Clemens has been a better pitcher because of it. It's sad. I've always thought that Maddux was better than Clemens; it's just too bad that the numbers don't show it.
by Billex Gordler on Dec 13, 2007 2:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i think maddox has gotten an = boost
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ballpark, league, etc...
by Billex Gordler on Dec 13, 2007 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mitchell
I think this is appropriate for the players. I think he should have equally investigated and reported on the actions, inactions and other complicity of MLB officials and owners. Of course he didn't.
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 2:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
do we even know that these names are legit?
just sayin
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mitchell recommends no punishment for past
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 2:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I am satisfied.
I agree with Mitchell's findings and his recommendations. The only area I do not like is his not pushing more strongly for rapid change in the testing program. Mitchell seemed to be saying that it should be changed, but not necessarily before the contract comes up for negotiations again in 2011?
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 2:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
yea, mitchell has a few moments of doubletalk
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You're satisfied?
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I think he did it right.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The priorities were straight???
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Truth
by DarthYoshi on Dec 13, 2007 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
by Sisquatch Kids on Dec 13, 2007 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
but you're talking about
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, it does not follow
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 5:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
this is what diplomats do.
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 5:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN, crappy as always
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 3:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
From my read
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are missing his main point.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not about the names, and yet...
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
as a hypothetical
i just don't see how you could open up a can of worms like that and not spiral down into a pointless abyss that ends up hurting the game more than helping.
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 5:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Your hypothetical
i just don't see how you could open up a can of worms like that and not spiral down into a pointless abyss that ends up hurting the game more than helping.
One could say the exact same thing about an investigation of the use of PED's about players. If finding out what the problem was and is has any value at all, then it must include the entirety of the problem in baseball, not just the culpability of players and which players did what when. If finding out which players used PED's doesn't hurt the game, then how does finding out the culpability of front offices, owners and MLB officials hurt the game? This was a blame-the-players exercise which whitewashes the role of everyone else in baseball. It was a joke.
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 5:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
whitewashing
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Some questions
- How many pages did the Mitchell Report devote to allegations of player use and purchase of PED's with all of the attendant details?
- How many pages did the Mitchell Report devote to allegations of front office, ownership or MLB officials involvement, knowledge or complicity in player use of PED's?
- Did Mitchell and his people even investigate that second issue?
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it seems to me
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 6:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There are a few "tacit indictments"
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i do see what you're saying.
i really do see what you're saying, but as a realist my reaction is along the lines of 'what did you expect?' (ack, don't answer that!) it's amazing enough to me that mlb and selig commissioned and paid for a report that would indict them to even this degree. i think their complicity is pretty clear, even without the naming of names. selig's weirdly hard line response to the punishment of players named in the report, despite mitchell's recommendation to the contrary, shows a kind of reeling reactive response. i DO think management has taken a serious hit with the release of this report.
personally, i would have preferred that players were not named specifically. i feel that more strongly haven digested your criticism of the breadth of the investigation. but in the climate we're in right now, i can understand why mitchell felt he had to. he had to show the pervasiveness of the activity in a way that would reverberate. had he not named any names, i think the report would largely have been written off as hot air. as it is now, it will be hard for anyone to accept the status quo of roid use going on in the future, and THAT was the real goal of the investigation, imo.
by 390 on Dec 13, 2007 8:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know this is not my argument
by royaldaddy on Dec 13, 2007 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fernando Vina
by wheezie on Dec 13, 2007 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
go glenallen
fight those spiders
by FireBell on Dec 13, 2007 3:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
feeling a little let down and blah
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 4:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
What a bunch of overblown, overhyped crap.
If you all will excuse this rather disappointed baseball fan, I am going to go get drunk and do something self-destructive like play violent video games or talk to a girl or something.
by NHZ on Dec 13, 2007 5:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
video games OR girls
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I tell you, it's annoying :P
by NHZ on Dec 13, 2007 8:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What should have happened
Governmental entitites (fed, state, and local) should all have agreed to said immunity.
The report should have been written with ALL names OMMITTED.
In return, the MLBPA should have agreed to MEANINGFUL reforms in the testing procedures, and pledged to work with MLB as a PARTNER to help eliminate the FUTURE abuse of PEDs and HGH.
Sincerly,
Mike, from LA LA LAND
We now return you to your normal rantings...
by loyal2s dad on Dec 13, 2007 5:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
By the way,
THERE IS NO WAY THIS LIST IS COMPREHENSIVE, in fact, any intelligent person would be foolish not to conclude that the VAST MAJORITY of players at least dabbled in this at some point. Look at it logically - ONE clubhouse attendant, in ONE locker room, was able to contribute this many names. Who's to say what would happen if 29 other attendants were facing federal charges and forced to squeal? I think my premise would, no doubt, be proven.
If you buy the premise that the problem was SO PERVASIVE, as Mitchell indicates, and logic dictates, then perhaps it is OK to just ignore the whole thing.
NO MORE LABELLING THIS THE STEROIDS ERA.
NO MORE TALK OF ASTERISKS BESIDES RECORDS.
NO MORE.
Work on fixing the problem, and MOVE FORWARD!
Couldn't agree more with the complaints here about ESPN - why report on the TRUE MEANING of the report, when you can dummy down and sensationalize it for the STUPID FANS, who are no more intelligent than your average lemming? Sadly, ESPN used to be about good journalism a long time ago - but now they are all about the DOLLAR, just like the rest of the media...
by loyal2s dad on Dec 13, 2007 5:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hang 'em high
I realize I'm in the minority but I'm really not that worried about players using these types of drugs. Their use has been rampant in all sports for years and it's yet to affect my enjoyment outside of the media hyperbole and witch hunt atmosphere surrounding Barry Bonds and baseball in general.
I will say it's probably not a good idea for younger players to use steroids thinking it's their ticket to getting to the majors but does pointing out all of these major league players were using them do anything but encourage them to try the same thing?
by Pauli on Dec 13, 2007 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Here's the difference
Ignorant public/media fall for the NFL's superior PR aided bullshit, and go ape-shit over the abuses in baseball.
Meanwhile, take a look at the average sizes of NFL players this day and age, and decide for yourself which sport has the more pervasive problem! Seriously, the problem has to be at least as widespread in football, but there's no media outcry, no Senator Reports, no hearings before congress, and no talk of steroid eras, asterisks, and loss of national innocene.
ABSURD!
by loyal2s dad on Dec 13, 2007 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well, thats what you get with a slub like Selig
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Selig can bite me
Didn't see any indication of him doling out suspensions for any club officials or HIMSELF, as ultimately he is the one responsible for PRIORITIZING the CBA negotiations.
If you REALLY thought this was as important as you say it is now, Bud, then significant testing should have been the TOP PRIORITY in negotiations with the player's union, not revenue sharing, etc.
Alas, we all know he answer to that one - Bud is as guilty as ANY of the USERS, because ULTIMATELY THEY WERE ALL DOING WHAT THEY WERE DOING FOR THE MONEY, AND NOT FOR ANY GODDAMN OTHER REASON THAN THE MONEY.
Stop the hypocrisy!
by loyal2s dad on Dec 13, 2007 5:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The problems with MLB will never be
by royaldaddy on Dec 13, 2007 6:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
One last thing...
If you played in the late 90s and angered a trainer -- maybe you slept with his girl, maybe you got in a fight about politics, who knows -- you could easily end up on this list.
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 7:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Amen
by royaldaddy on Dec 13, 2007 8:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Roid Induced
by philofthenorth on Dec 13, 2007 8:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
but pitchers also were using...
by royalsreview on Dec 13, 2007 9:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No Seasonal Counting
by philofthenorth on Dec 13, 2007 10:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My take on the day's events
The first is the willingness of so many to allow the main issue to get lost. The point of this report was not the names. It was commissioned to document as well as possible the history of the problem, determine the current level of drug abuse in baseball, and offer recommendations to correct the problem. Better than any previous effort the report lays out how widespread the abuse was and continues to be and offers what to me seem like some very clear minded recommendations to help baseball recover from this mess.
The second is this odd willingness to excuse the players who illegally used PED's just because management pretty well knew what was going on and did not stop them. Management is at fault here, but those players are wealthy privileged adults and are responsible for their own actions. How much or how little the boss knew does nothing to reduce their personal responsibility.
In my opinion what happened today was a very productive if imperfect first step in getting these damn drugs out of the game. I think we all have that same goal. Let's be happy something is finally being done.
by James Quinn on Dec 13, 2007 9:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think I understand the issue
While this is certainly imperfect, it is not the first step. Their first imperfect step was testing players but not releasing the results or punishing players. Their second imperfect step was banning steroids, but little else. Their third imperfect step was banning additional PED's like HGH. Their fourth imperfect step was the current testing scheme which Mitchell rightly pointed out is weak and needs improvement. By my count this is MLB's fifth imperfect step. Of course, "imperfect" in this context is a euphemism for extremely flawed. Let's call a spade a spade. This report was a joke, which at best has some decent recommendations for minor improvements in MLB's anti-PED program.
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 10:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mitchell Report grade card
- Document the history of the PED problem in baseball - D+ They only looked at the role of players in the PED problem in baseball.
- Determine the current level of drug abuse in baseball - D Again, they only looked at players and all they did was recycle the accusations from some books and a handful of informants. They came up with no new information or better information.
- Offer recommendations to correct the problem - B- The recommendations were pretty obvious and are things that MLB would have likely done anyway (I wouldn't be surprised if those recommendations actually came from the office of the Commissioner, through the Mitchell Report). And the recommendations were so light and mild that they didn't even call for the two sides to immediately negotiate changes to the CBA. The report is happy for us to wait until 2011.
by NYRoyal on Dec 13, 2007 10:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Disgusted
2 points:
- for those who don't think steroids can be medically harmful short term do some research on Daryl Kile's cause of death and the relationship to anabolic steroids. You might find yourself thinking "wow, maybe the marijuana revelation was a limited hangout like McGwire's andro bottle"
- isn't the real issue here one of right and wrong? We have players who cheated and owners who cheated their fans by holding out cheaters as legitimate record breakers when they knew or should have known that the playing field wasn't level. That makes MLB a fraud in my eyes. The players are a symptom- a very visible symptom- but the owners and management who let it happen are making billions. That's not an accident. I'm guess the owners are calling us suckers today after the report was released. And they are right, we are.
by vegasroyals on Dec 14, 2007 7:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

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