John Brattain writes at The Hardball Times:

Does anybody find it odd that Sammy Sosa has yet to be linked officially with anabolic steroids? The evidence of his juicing consists of: a corked bat (which by extension makes Billy Hatcher, Graig Nettles, Wilton Guerrero, etc. juicers as well), an odd performance in front of the Senate committee where he feigned a lack of ability to speak in English (while it was lame, I would not speak in such a situation unless I could in my mother tongue, either), an affidavit describing a conversation he had regarding amphetamines, and an extremely muscular physique.

And that is it.

. . . .

For the time being, I’m perfectly willing to state that Sosa’s four seasons averaging 61 HR and his career 609 are the genuine article.

Read the rest.

Based on a quick review, there are no current Chicago Cubs players linked to performance enhancing substances in the Mitchell Report. There are, however, a number of former Cubs discussed, along with rumored acquisition target Brian Roberts. Sammy Sosa's name is absent, other than a brief mention that he declined to answer Mitchell's questions.

Larry Bigbie told Mitchell that "Roberts admitted to him that he had injected himself once or twice with steroids in 2003." Roberts declined to meet with Mitchell.

Sosa's back to blowing kisses after homers (Jorge Arangure Jr., ESPN The Magazine, 6/16/2007)

The Cubs play the Rangers today. Rob G. asks whether we can forgive Sammy Sosa.

Does anyone know which team has the most former Chicago Cubs players on their roster?

I checked a few team rosters and found 3 ex-Cubs on the Dodgers and Red Sox, and didn't see any on the Cardinal's roster.

Kenny Lofton and Sammy Sosa show up on the Ranger's roster. That looks interesting.

How 'bout those Padres! Greg Maddux, David Wells, Todd Walker, Jose Cruz...

The Marlins have a familiar name or two on their roster... Sergio Mitre... does Dontrelle Willis count as an ex-Cub?

Didn't see any familiar names on the A's.

Where are you finding former Cubs in the MLB for 2007?

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Photos from Ryne Sandberg's Chicago Cubs jersey number retirement ceremony at Wrigley Field

"The Rangers' offseason took a surprising twist on Monday when they worked out free-agent outfielder Sammy Sosa at Ameriquest Field in Arlington," reports MLB.com. "Sosa also met with general manager Jon Daniels over dinner on Monday night to discuss a one-year, non-roster contract with an invitation to Spring Training." (Hat tip: Wrigleyville.)

Sosa had earlier indicated that he would take a non-guaranteed contract this year.

"Sammy Sosa began training Thursday in hopes of returning to the major leagues," reports the AP. And this time, he'll take a non-guaranteed contract like the one he rejected from the Washington Nationals before the 2006 season. "I want the chance and I believe one is going to appear. This time I will accept an offer like the one with the Nationals because I want to get back to the majors," Sosa said.

I, for one, am eager to see Sosa try to play again.

I keep forgetting that #31 has not been retired. The ceremony at Wrigley was for the 300th win by Greg Maddux and not a jersey retirement ceremony.

It might be an idea to have a dual ceremony with Maddux and Fergie Jenkins honored with their #31 being retired.

"I'm an exciting player." Sammy Sosa wants to play for someone in 2007.

ESPN reports:

The AP reports:

Sammy Sosa, 12 home runs shy of 600, said he wants to return to the big leagues in 2007 after taking a year off and contemplating retirement.

"I feel good physically, and after a year of resting we are optimistic about making a decision soon about returning to baseball," the Dominican slugger told The Associated Press on Saturday.

Sosa only hit .221/.295/.376 in 2005 for the Orioles. I would be surprised if anyone gave him anything other than a minor league contract with a spring training invite.