Sources: Players, owners to share blame in Mitchell report … Major League Baseball and the Players Association share the blame for tolerating a widespread culture of drug abuse, George Mitchell's report on doping in baseball says, according to two lawyers who said they are familiar with the report.

Sox players aren't safe  —  Mitchell report to create firestorm … By the end of today, one or more Red Sox [team stats] players could have asterisks next to their names.  —  More than 60 baseball players, quite possibly including current or past Red Sox, will be named this afternoon …

Baseball Braces for Steroid Report From Mitchell  —  George J. Mitchell's report on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, to be unveiled Thursday afternoon, will be highly critical of the commissioner's office and the players' union for tolerating the presence of drugs throughout years of abuse …

Cubs part ways with Prior  —  A Cubs career than began with a bang ended with a whimper Wednesday night for one-time ace Mark Prior.  —  Two hours before the 11 p.m. deadline to offer arbitration to eligible players, general manager Jim Hendry non-tendered Prior, allowing him to leave via free agency at age 27.

Rox agree to 1-year deal with Kip Wells  —  Banking on their ability to turn a pitcher's career around, the Rockies agreed to a one-year deal with former Cardinals right-hander Kip Wells today, according to a source close to the situation.  The deal is for around $3 million and should be officially announced Thursday or Friday.

Ben Broussard traded to Texas  —  The Mariners shipped Ben Broussard off to the Texas Rangers within the past hour, receiving minor league infielder Tug Hulett in return.  Hulett spent last season in Class AAA at age 24, playing second base as his primary position despite also seeing action at third base as a minor leaguer.