Report expected to name players

Baseball investigator George Mitchell likely will issue his long-awaited report on steroids use in baseball by the end of the year, and there is a strong possibility he will identify individual players.

A lawyer for the firm representing Major League Baseball in the investigation updated representatives for the 30 teams during a conference call Friday and told them Mitchell’s report likely would be issued in November or December, several baseball club officials said.

The players’ association has asked for Mitchell to provide any accusations he intends to include in his report and the evidence that backs up the charges so that players may have an opportunity to refute them.

Viewers ignore NLCS

The N.L. Championship Series opener between Colorado and Arizona was easily the least-watched LCS prime-time game in history.

Colorado’s 5-1 victory over Arizona on Thursday night received a 3.6 national rating, TBS said.

Clearing the bases

Dusty Baker has interviewed with the Cincinnati Reds for their vacant managing job, according to a person within the organization familiar with the search. … San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman had surgery to remove a few small bone chips from his right elbow. He’s expected to be ready by spring training. … Milwaukee left-hander Chris Capuano had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and is expected to be ready for spring training. … Washington pitcher Shawn Hill had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder and is expected to return as the potential ace of the staff next season. … Leo Mazzone was fired as pitching coach of the Baltimore Orioles. … Frank Wren took over officially as the GM of the Atlanta Braves.