Mitchell Report release looms

NEW YORK – Baseball is about to get its official boxscore on the Steroids Era.

It’s the Mitchell Report, the findings of former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell’s 20-month investigation into performance-enhancing drug use that has tarnished some of the game’s greatest stars and records.

It’s due out next week, possibly Thursday, and while critics are sure to claim it’s one-sided and outdated, it has given players and executives cause for pause and led some to fear a modern-day Black Sox scandal.

“Well, it ain’t Merry Christmas or Happy New Year for somebody,” Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker said.

Shining light into the shadows, the 74-year-old Mitchell brought experience from many fields. The former chairman of The Walt Disney Co., he once was offered a spot on the Supreme Court by President Clinton and famously challenged Lt. Col. Oliver North during the Iran-Contra hearings.

But he also is a director with the World Series champion Boston Red Sox, a role players say makes him hopelessly conflicted and an agent of commissioner Bud Selig, who appointed him.

Players also claim Mitchell refused to show those accused the evidence against them, denying them a chance to refute the allegations.

For now, Selig claims not to know what’s inside the report. Suffice to say, midway between Boston wrapping up the Fall Classic and the start of spring training, there are plenty of jittery people around the majors.

“Obviously, it can’t be really good,” New York Mets manager Willie Randolph said. “If there’s some really, really big names I’m sure it’s going to be a real impact in some ways.”

Outfielders Jose Guillen and Jay Gibbons, linked in media reports to receiving human growth hormone, were suspended Thursday for the first 15 days of next season. The penalties are an indication how baseball might treat any players named by Mitchell.

Hired by Selig in March 2006, Mitchell and his staff spent millions of dollars interviewing people and collecting evidence. Their task: Provide a history of what happened off the diamond during a time when home run marks that had lasted for decades fell as suddenly strong sluggers changed the balance between pitchers and hitters.

Previously undisclosed names could be tied to steroids and HGH, thanks to the cooperation of former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski.

A national investigation led by the Albany, N.Y., district attorney’s office also is believed to have provided evidence to Mitchell.

Active players largely have resisted cooperating – the New York Yankees’ Jason Giambi is the only one known to have spoken to the inquiry. Although this wasn’t exactly Sing Along with Mitch, retired players have spoken with Mitchell, who did not have subpoena power.