The Mitchell Report & NFL Week 15 Picks

Is it possible for the impact of the Mitchell Report to be under-rated?

The consensus opinion of writers, analysts, and fans seems to be that the names that appear in Senator Mitchell's investigation aren't as shocking or juicy as they would have liked. And I would tend to agree. There are obviously some names missing.

But when ESPN.com broke down the report in terms of categories such as MVPs, CY Youngs, Home Run Titles, and All-Star appearances among many other achievements by Mitchell Report "honorees', the numbers were overwhelming. So my point is, though the report had fewer surprises and mega-stars than expected, the disappointing sentiment resulting from the report may be unjustified. Let's not forget, the undisputed greatest hitter of his generation (Barry Bonds) and arguably the greatest pitcher of his generation (Roger Clemens) were fingered in this report, along with just what seemed like the entire 2000 New York Yankees World Series roster.

For example, below is my 2007 ALL-Mitchell Team, by position. When all of these players were in their collective HgH/Anabolic Steroid "Primes," I dare you to tell me you wouldn't win a World Series with this roster 9 out of 10 years.

DH: Jason Giambi, Mo Vaughn

C: Benito Santiago, Todd Hundley, Paul Lo Duca
1B : Raphael Palmeiro
2B: Brian Roberts, Chuck Knobloch

3B: Troy Glaus, Matt Williams, Ken Caminiti
SS: Miguel Tejada
OF: Barry Bonds, Len Dykstra

OF: Gary Sheffield, Gary Matthew Jr.
OF: Jose Canseco, David Justice

SP: Roger Clemens
SP: Andy Pettite
SP: Kevin Brown
SP: Denny Neagle
SP: Paul Byrd

RP: Scott Schoenweis
RP: Derrick Turnbow
RP: Mike Stanton
RP: Brendan Donnelly
C: Eric Gagne

I can't imagine how good this team would be if we knew every steroid user. I know for a fact the All-Mitchell roster would have upgrades at both catcher and first base, if you catch my drift.

Clemens and Pettite:

If Bill Belichick has an Uma Thurman in Kill Bill sized vendetta against his former close friend Eric Mangini for Spygate, then I can only imagine how Roger Clemens will feel about his best friend Andy Pettite for destroying any chance he had at salvaging his legacy.

If you didn't hear, Andy Pettite admitted today, that he did in fact use Human Growth Hormone. So how does this affect The Rocket?

Clemens, through a statement issued by his attorney, categorically denied the validity of the Mitchell Report's accusations that he used steroids. Of course he's not filing a law suit, but he is denying the charges nevertheless. So being that Clemens, Pettite, and Knobloch shared a trainer, AND being that Pettite admitted to using HGH and Knobloch is yet to deny using steroids, it now becomes completely unreasonable to believe that the trainer that Clemens shared with his former Yankee teammates, gave Pettite and Knobloch steroids but never gave Clemens a banned substance. Or in other words, Clemens wants us to believe that trainer Brian McNamee told the truth about supplying steroids/HGH to two of his clients but was fabricating everything he testified about Clemens. He also wants us to believe his 2nd prime at the ages of 40 and beyond was due to his 'legendary' workouts, that Roid Rage didn't cause him to throw a bat at Mike Piazza, and that he wasn't one of the players connected to the Jason Grimsely debacle.

Rocket, your credibility is falling faster than the Challenger Space Shuttle. And for the record, I'm not buying that Andy Pettite only used HgH twice.

David Justice & Fernando Vina:

My two favorite players to show up on the list. Both Justice and Vina are studio analysts, the latter for Baseball Tonight, the former for the YES Network. If these two don't resign or get canned, it will be entertaining to say the least seeing how they handle future steroid conversations on the air. Now I know why Vina has been sticking up for Barry Bonds all year. And as for Justice, you are no longer just the playoff hero that was stupid enough to beat up Halle Berry. You are now the cheating playoff hero that was stupid enough to beat up Halle Berry.


Hank Aaron

I must say, I'm very disappointed in The Hammer - who is still undoubtedly a legend and a gentleman. Not only did he blindside us all by honoring now federally indicted Barry Bonds via video message after home run 756, but now he sends a letter on Mike Vick's behalf to the judge responsible for his sentencing. Mr. Aaron, sometimes its better to just say nothing!


Week 15 - In the league where they play for pay...

49ers +9

Cardinals +4

Falcons +13

Dolphins +3.5

Bills +6

Packers -8.5

Jaguars +3.5

Jets +21

Seahawks - 7.5

Chiefs+4

Colts -11

Chargers -10

Eagles +11

Redskins +5

Bears +11

Last Week (9-7) - Season Total (104-91-10)