Mitchell Report and Blue Jackets

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that today, Sen. Mitchell released his 20 month report on steroid use in baseball. I am glad that the sport is taking steps to put an end to this activity, but it makes me wonder was this done fairly.

First off, why was it only this group? It would appear that the problem of steroid use is prevalent at the minor league, college, high school, and so on levels. Are they being singled out because they are "role models" for today's youth? The report did have an obvious bias when it came to top players. Why were players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens mentioned more than Jose Canseco, even though Canseco is an admitted steroid user.

Also the proof does not seem to be empirical. They're using some guy who was a grown bat boy. I don't know Kirk Radomski, but it appears this guy is going to prison for a long time, what makes this snitch's word so grand that we are drawing all the attention of the sport's world on his few words.

Now I wonder what recourse will be taken against these players? Asterisks? Vacating records? Banishment from the Hall of Fame? Until these drug users are guilty in the court of law, I say they're innocent and nothing should be done, even if your name is Barry Bonds.

OK, on a lighter topic... The fifth place in the Western Conference Columbus Blue Jackets had a hard hitting win against Colorado. Props to Captain Foote for playing like a... captain of all things. He blocked numerous shots, and it showed with a +3. Also great to see Jared Boll, my most recent pickup on my fantasy hockey team score a goal. This is considering that I picked him up purely for his penalty numbers.

But look at the standings. Say the Jackets lost that game in OT last night, they would have ended up in ninth, not fifth. There are 11 teams all within several points of getting the final seven Western Conference playoff spots (Detroit is the only exception).

I do think fans are starting to take notice. A bit larger crowd showed up for Wednesday's match against the Avs, and they were into it. Walk up sales were the best for any weeknight game they have had all year. Just think what could happen if the team is still in playoff contention after the Buckeyes play in the Bayou. It could be a fun, exciting couple of months to be a hockey fan in Columbus. And apparently in a dozen of the NHL's West cities as well.