Foo - Mitchell Report

For the Baseball fans of Foo, the Mitchell report will be released in a week or so. The questions are as follows

1. What will the Mitchell report do for Baseball?

Not much, too little too late.

2. What big time player or players will be named?

My picks are Randy Johnson and/or Roger Clemens.

Pickle Juice

For the Baseball fans of Foo....

I'm out. No idea what you're talking about.

Please expound on the Mitchell Report. Does it have something to do with steroids??

The Mitchell Report will do nothing for baseball but will have the unintended and wholly unanticipated consequence of bringing peace to the Middle East.

The only playa mentioned will be Snoop Dogg, and it won't be for steroid use.

Pickle Juice

ok...now I approve of throwing some Pickle Juice on this thread.
Why?
Cause I have no clue what the OP is talking about and I can't think of anything better to do here.:p

The Mitchell report is a witchhunt headed by one of the board of directors of the Red Sox to point fingers at who've taken steroids before they were deemed illegal. This article (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3142651) shows some of the inadequates of it. This (http://riveraveblues.com/2007/12/11/damn-the-mitchell-report-1813/) was a great blog post though that helps sum up my feelings on it.



Damn the Mitchell report
Posted by: Joseph P. in STEROIDS!

After reading this article on ESPN.com, my feelings towards the Mitchell report have gotten worse, if that’s at all possible. I’ll excerpt some quotes of note:

From a coach (all of the sources here are unnamed, for obvious reasons):


“They wanted us to speculate. And I wouldn’t do that. They wanted me to say who I thought was using steroids. And when I said, ‘I don’t know,’ they would say, ‘Well, you work most closely with these guys. You work on their bodies every day. You weren’t the least bit suspicious when you saw their bodies change?’

“This was the kind of stuff I was most afraid of, because they didn’t ask me about specific people with specific information that they had. They asked me to guess. I said my guess was no guess at all, because what would happen to me if I said a guy was using steroids who wasn’t? What if I guessed wrong? Then my name is out there, I get fired, and I’m easily replaceable.”

Why are they asking people to guess?


“They didn’t ask us those things because they didn’t have the level of sophistication about what we do,” said a National League strength coach. “They didn’t know the right questions to ask. At no point in my interview did anyone say to me, ‘What can we recommend to make sure this never happens again?’”

Uh, wasn’t the whole point of the investigation to figure out how to never let this happen again? Oh, my mistake. I forgot that it was a witch hunt to bring out the biggest names in baseball.


“I didn’t go in there with a lawyer because I didn’t have anything to hide,” the manager said. “They asked me if I’d ever seen anyone do steroids. I said no. They asked me how I thought the players’ bodies got so big, and I said the players were in the weight room day and night, so it made sense to me. Then he said to me, ‘Well, don’t you know that steroids combined with weightlifting can make you even bigger?’ He said it to me like I was dumb, so I said, ‘No, I didn’t know that.’”

Wow. I didn’t know that! Pass the bull testosterone, yo!

Oh, and don’t forget Mr. Mitchell’s status on the board of directors of the Red Sox. The following is an excerpt from an e-mail sent by John Clarke, a spokesman for DLA Piper, the law firm conducting the investigation.


“Senator Mitchell and the Red Sox have agreed that he would not provide advice to the Red Sox owners until this investigation is completed and he would not receive any compensation from the team. That is the current situation,” Clarke wrote in a Nov. 30 e-mail to ESPN.com. “It is the expectation of the Senator and the Red Sox that he will resume his previous role after the completion of the investigation.”

Oh, then never mind! It’s all cool. He didn’t advise or take money while the investigation was ongoing. That he did those things before the investigation, and plans to continue doing so after the investigation, means nothing, right?

At least one GM is speaking out against this:


“They expected everyone to believe what they say, but they didn’t do anything real to change anybody’s mind. It was just his word,” one general manager said of Mitchell and his investigators. “They think everybody is stupid. They really do.”

So instead of figuring out how to stop this, they’re trying to levy blame on anyone they can. Thanks, Mitchell and Company. I’ll rest easier knowing that you compiled a list of names that people guessed at.

Honestly, I think this report is going to do a lot more to hurt baseball than to help it.

On a related note, I betcha a fiver that A-Rod’s name is somewhere in the Mitchell report. And I betcha that there’s a token Red Sox reference, but nothing of substance. (And I’m not saying A-Rod because he’s a Yankee, but rather because he’s a big name, and including him would seem to fit Mitchell’s M.O.)

George Mitchell former US Senator was appointed to do an independent investigation of the past and present steroid use in Major League Baseball. I'm not sure what the outline of the investigation is and so I don't know what the results will yield and what actions will be taken.

It may make a good documentary someday and I am afraid thats all that may come of it.

For the Baseball fans of Foo, the Mitchell report will be released in a week or so. The questions are as follows

1. What will the Mitchell report do for Baseball?

Not much, too little too late.

2. What big time player or players will be named?

My picks are Randy Johnson and/or Roger Clemens.

Investigating baseball is an unbelievable waste of taxpayer money. The US congress should concentrate on real issues that actually affect our lives.

The Mitchell Report will do nothing for baseball but will have the unintended and wholly unanticipated consequence of bringing peace to the Middle East.

The only playa mentioned will be Snoop Dogg, and it won't be for steroid use.

:roflmao:

Unbelievable waste of taxpayer money. The US congress should concentrate on real issues that actually affect our lives.

Baseball owners paid for it. Steroids have effected a lot of lives.

Names will be named today. Drum roll please. Predictions, anyone?

Oprah.

I don't think it will do anything because a lot of the drugs have not been banned by baseball for that long. So just because a player is on the list doesn't mean he actually broke the rules at the time he used the drugs.

But, did he break the law by using steroids?

But, did he break the law by using steroids?

In some cases yes, and some no. Depends on what they were on and the law at the time which I am not up on.

I think they should have do-overs for the past twenty seasons. Use exactly the same players, no matther their current age, and just replay it all going forward.

But, did he break the law by using steroids?

Some may have, but I don't know how to know who did or didn't.

I don't think it will do anything because a lot of the drugs have not been banned by baseball for that long. So just because a player is on the list doesn't mean he actually broke the rules at the time he used the drugs.

It will change how we view history and how players will be remembered, this will effect the Hall of Fame voters for the Hall of Fame candidates that get named. I don't see any arrests coming of this. Somehow I think MLB and the players union will try to sweep this under the rug and not change any of their current testing polices.

It will change how we view history and how players will be remembered, this will effect the Hall of Fame voters for the Hall of Fame candidates that get named. I don't see any arrests coming of this. Somehow I think MLB and the players union will try to sweep this under the rug and not change any of their current testing polices.

Honestly, I'm more concerned about Hillary, Barack, Romney, Guiliani, and any other idiot who gets into the oval office than I am with MLB and its HOF.

Honestly, I'm more concerned about Hillary, Barack, Romney, Guiliani, and any other idiot who gets into the oval office than I am with MLB and its HOF.

You can rest easy Modo. Judging from the physiques of the candidates I can't imagine that any of them has ever been on steroids.

You can rest easy Modo. Judging from the physiques of the candidates I can't imagine that any of them has ever been on steroids.

I don't know about Hillary, she looks awfully manly.

I don't know about Hillary, she looks awfully manly.

And I'm pretty sure she has an Adam's apple. :eek:

Hmmm. I actually think Hillary is kinda good looking. Still can't warm up to her, though.

Speaking of politicians on 'roids, has Ahnold ever said he was a user? I know he can't run for prez, but curious. He looks weirder everytime I see him on the tube.

It will change how we view history and how players will be remembered, this will effect the Hall of Fame voters for the Hall of Fame candidates that get named. I don't see any arrests coming of this. Somehow I think MLB and the players union will try to sweep this under the rug and not change any of their current testing polices.

It's almost certain to have an impact on votes for the Hall, but that's probably about it. There will be a lot of fingers pointed, a lot of denials issued, and a lot of speeches made. No enforcement power comes with this report, and anyone who gets named who is still playing is unlikely to have it be anything more than a black mark next to their name. They'll keep pocketing their millions, regardless.

That said, steroid allegations have already torpedoed Mark McGwire's chances of getting into the Hall of Fame, when he would have been pretty much of a lock without them. Bonds will be an even tougher one. The allegations are well substantiated, but the level of his achievement is greater than McGwire. Again, he'd be a lock for the Hall absent the steroid cloud, despite the fact that he's basically a total *******.

Couldn't there be a Hallway of Shame for steroid-enhanced records?

^^^ Wanna start one?
Seriously...this could be something pretty big.

I don't think that torpedoed his chances - he was borderline to begin with.

It's just a big **** fest between Bud Selig and his Red Sox that he loves so much. Annoying since it's a useless document - how about going forward instead of spending all this money on hearsay that would never stand up in court?

I don't think that torpedoed his chances - he was borderline to begin with.

It's just a big **** fest between Bud Selig and his Red Sox that he loves so much. Annoying since it's a useless document - how about going forward instead of spending all this money on hearsay that would never stand up in court?

I think McGwire was a sentimental favorite to get in. He personified the classic slugger for a season or two, at least. And the race with Sosa was one of the best things baseball has seen in years and got the turnstiles turning again after the disaster that was the player's strike. So, I think McGwire had an impact beyond his actual ability as a player.

Anyway, agree with you that the whole Mitchell report exercise is useless. Mitchell has too many ties to baseball to be much of an authority, anyway. The whole purpose of this is to make it look like Selig is actually doing something.

The slug fest with 'Corked' Sosa was great to watch, I admit. If there was no connection to roids he may have gotten a few more but I don't know enough to push him over the edge.

Yawn.. I bet that Its going to be very very anti-climactic. I also bet that this is a cover up of monumental proportions that will name a few players, a lot of them retired and insignificant.

Yawn.. I bet that Its going to be very very anti-climactic. I also bet that this is a cover up of monumental proportions that will name a few players, a lot of them retired and insignificant.

Agreed. I also think it's interesting how MLB seems to be in constant crisis re: steroids, HGH, etc., whereas the NFL, which would seem to have the potential for alot more problems in this area, gets a free pass due to its enormous popularity.

I don't think that torpedoed his chances - he was borderline to begin with.

It's just a big **** fest between Bud Selig and his Red Sox that he loves so much. Annoying since it's a useless document - how about going forward instead of spending all this money on hearsay that would never stand up in court?

You need to learn not to care about baseball. Think of the hundreds of hours you'll have to spend on other, actually enjoyable things every year if you can kick the inane and ugly habit of spectating.

Agreed. I also think it's interesting how MLB seems to be in constant crisis re: steroids, HGH, etc., whereas the NFL, which would seem to have the potential for alot more problems in this area, gets a free pass due to its enormous popularity.

Yeah its pretty retarted. Rodney Harrison of the Patriots got a 4 game, a 4-GAME suspension for using steroids while a cyclist gets banned for 2 years.

I don't think that torpedoed his chances - he was borderline to begin with.

It's just a big **** fest between Bud Selig and his Red Sox that he loves so much. Annoying since it's a useless document - how about going forward instead of spending all this money on hearsay that would never stand up in court?


Mitchell should have separated himself from the Red Sox organization before starting his investigation, but it was as former Yankee trainer that did all the talking. MLB and the players union where pretty uncooperative with the whole investigation. Guess who is coming out looking pretty good, Jose Canseco. Bud Selig has made a joke of MLB.

Bud Selig has made a joke of MLB.

+150k

on so many levels.

Mitchell should have separated himself from the Red Sox organization before starting his investigation, but it was as former Yankee trainer that did all the talking. MLB and the players union where pretty uncooperative with the whole investigation. Guess who is coming out looking pretty good, Jose Canseco. Bud Selig has made a joke of MLB.

Nah. It's been that way for nearly 20 years now.

Clemens will definitely be on that list. I can't believe how the media has allowed him to skate so far.

Agreed. I also think it's interesting how MLB seems to be in constant crisis re: steroids, HGH, etc., whereas the NFL, which would seem to have the potential for alot more problems in this area, gets a free pass due to its enormous popularity.


NFL has much better testing policy then MLB and started much earlier. That doesn't mean the there isn't a problem with steroids in football the NFL has been more proactive the MLB. Missing four games is w/o pay is a quarter of the season. MLB is running the players union and until the player tell the union reps they want the better testing the union isn't going to change and until Bud stands up to the players union MLB will always be reacting to crisis.

Mitchell should have separated himself from the Red Sox organization before starting his investigation, but it was as former Yankee trainer that did all the talking.

As a way of lessening his jail time, sure. The espn article I linked showed how trainers and towelboys felt they had to talk 'or else.' So throw out some names and the heats off of you, done.

Nah. It's been that way for nearly 20 years now.

Bud been office for 15 of the those 20 years, so I will give you 5 years.

You need to learn not to care about baseball. Think of the hundreds of hours you'll have to spend on other, actually enjoyable things every year if you can kick the inane and ugly habit of spectating.

I've tried...can't stop! :D Plus I usually do work with a game on the radio - win/win.

As a way of lessening his jail time, sure. The espn article I linked showed how trainers and towelboys felt they had to talk 'or else.' So throw out some names and the heats off of you, done.

Someone's in denial. :p

As a way of lessening his jail time, sure. The espn article I linked showed how trainers and towelboys felt they had to talk 'or else.' So throw out some names and the heats off of you, done.

you bet, when doing an investigation you are looking for a rat, hey was Roger going help him lessen his time, he had to look out for #1.

Yeah its pretty retarted. Rodney Harrison of the Patriots got a 4 game, a 4-GAME suspension for using steroids while a cyclist gets banned for 2 years.

It may not seem fair, but the sports are just run differently. 2 year ban it very stiff but it hasn't stopped the use of steroids, lifetime ban? However 2 is maybe the same as a lifetime ban to some cyclists.

Someone's in denial. :p

I'm not saying Roger didn't. I'm saying A LOT of players did when there were no stipulations against it. As players started breaking records owners and MLB lined their pockets with the profits of people coming out to watch games - they all turned a blind eye at what they knew damned well was happening. Why point fingers at a few players when there are plenty more that will be conveniently left off for one reason or another.

Really this comes down to Bud who won't be implicated at all I'm sure though should have done something about it if he really cared 15 years ago. Whole thing is a giant waste of time and money with sock puppet escape goats.

I just assume most of the players are juiced so it is a non issue because the playing field is still level.

I just assume most of the players are juiced so it is a non issue because the playing field is still level.

There are a couple things that make this an issue, yet it may still be an non issue to you, which is fine.

1. To the sports geek, baseball, cycling, football or whatever. Greatness is measured in wins and numbers and fans want to know that these wins and numbers are legit.

2. Steroids in sports to the parents that have kids in high school and college going for the big scholarship, fighting to keep their spot on the field and team, we want them to do it cleanly and not have face the pressure of PED's to do it. Pro's that raised the bar with PEDs that have caused a trickle down effect to lower ranks.

It is a bigger deal then the argument, if both teams are cheating is it really cheating.

My sport is yatching, bet there will never be a drug scandal in it. I fear that I am wrong though.

My sport is yatching, bet there will never be a drug scandal in it. I fear that I am wrong though.

They will figure out how change the water and the wind, nothing is sacred anymore.