http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3060456

This first one is an interesting look into the last few years of the life of former Cubs closer Rod Beck. Apparently tomorrow mornings Outside the Lines (9:30 EST - ESPN) will have a report and this article provides a good summary of that report. We seen a very honest account here of Beck's addiction and how his family and friends did all that they could to help him.

While some may disagree as to whether or not drug addiction and alcoholism is a disease, this truly is a sad story about a major leaguer who played the game and approached life quite a bit differently than many major leaguers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3060689

It looks as though the George Mitchell investigation is coming to a close and will include the many names, previously undisclosed names, and names of well known players. One lawyer for MLB used the word "salacious" to describe the report, which is likely to be released between the end of the World Series and New Years.

This all came out as part of a conference call between the MLB lawywer and reps for all 30 teams. Seems to me that the story coming out is a way to soften the ground as in the not too distant future, baseball and its fans are going to have to deal with what is being characterized as a big story. It's one thing when the face of steroids is Barry Bonds, middling players and those who the fans don't like. It will be interesting to see what happens if the names that come out include fan favorites and players seen as "good guys".

DmL