"Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball."

Sounds official doesn't it?

But does the "Mitchell Report" really help solve baseball's drug problem—or was it just a ploy by the Commissioner's office?

Bud Selig knew he needed to do something about steroids or his legacy would go down the drain. The day before the report was released to the public, Selig commented, "I haven't seen the report yet, but I'm proud I did it."

He's proud he did it. Right.

Wouldn't it have made more sense for Selig to say that he hadn't yet seen the report but was anxious to review the findings and recommendations of Senator Mitchell?

The Mitchell Report contains 409 pages of information regarding steroids.  But we need to remember that it isn't evidence of anything.

Aside from the few cases in which evidence was produced, there's no proof that anyone took steroids.

Brian McNamee told Senator Mitchell he injected Roger Clemens with steroids a few years back.  But there's no proof.  Senator Mitchell said he had complete confidence in the accuracy of McNamee's testimony—but excuse me if that doesn't make me feel all better.

I would hope that Mitchell would feel "confident" before publishing a report that could ruin players' careers with no hard facts.

When Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and Brian McNamee, among others, testify before Congress later this year, it's possible that we'll get more information.  But until then, keep in mind that the Mitchell Report hasn't helped Major League Baseball nearly as much as it could potentially hurt it.