Baseball Notes | Steroid report coming soon

Major League Baseball has begun to review a draft of George Mitchell's report on drug use in the sport, one of the final steps before the results of his 20-month investigation are released.

Baseball reviewed a draft yesterday at the Manhattan office of DLA Piper, the law firm that Mitchell chairs, a baseball official told the Associated Press. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because the former Senate majority leader has not authorized any statements.

The report likely will be released tomorrow, the AP reported.

Baseball officials are examining the report to make sure it does not contain any confidential information that if released would violate the collective bargaining agreement.

Coming from Japan.

Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome told the Chunichi Dragons that he would not return next season, saying he wanted to make a move to the major leagues.

Rockies.

Pitcher Aaron Cook finalized a new contract with Colorado that guarantees him an additional $30 million over three seasons beginning in 2009. Cook already was set to earn $4.5 million next year.

Brewers.

Catcher Eric Munson and Milwaukee agreed to a $525,000, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration.

Nationals.

Former Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca finalized a $5 million, one-year deal with Washington.

Padres.

Cy Young winner Jake Peavy took a physical, and San Diego officials anticipated completing a $52 million, three-year contract extension today.

The extension would run from 2010 through 2012.

Yankees.

Carl Pavano was asked to accept a minor-league contract and come off New York's big-league roster. A $39.95 million bust since signing with the Yankees as a free agent before the 2005 season, the pitcher had rotator-cuff surgery June 5. New York is not counting on him to be available next year.

Twins.

Outfielder Craig Monroe and Minnesota agreed to a $3.82 million, one-year contract, a reduction of 20 percent from his $4.78 million salary this year with the Chicago Cubs.