Don't Tell Me Colbert Testified Before Congress?

(I asked you not to tell me that!)

It would make a great stunt for The Colbert Report. In fact, I bet Colbert wishes he'd thought of it. But that's the problem, he didn't think of it, California Democrat Zoe Lofgren did. Which means that we, the people, governed by we, the people, are in deep doo-doo.

Don't get me wrong, I think Colbert is a funny guy and his opinions are just as valid as the next American's. But inviting a horse and pony show to a function that is already seriously lacking in credibilty will do far more harm than good in terms of restoring public respect, nevermind that no real information was exchanged in the event.

Nancy Pelosi was asked if she thought having a comedian testify 'in character' regarding something about which he knew nothing was appropriate, she said, "Of course I think it's appropriate. He's an American, right? He came before the committee. He has a point of view. He can bring attention to an important issue like immigration. I think it's great." Pelosi hadn't yet even seen or heard his testimony. Check it out here. But that's par for the course for Pelosi, commenting on and forming opinions about things she knows nothing. Guess she and Colbert have something in common. 

Seriously, what a sad day for the American people. What a sad day for immigrant migrant workers whose plight can be one of life and death. A comedian was asked to come and speak on their behalf, who promptly made fun of everything and everyone. I guess, in an ironic sort of way, it was appropriate. Kind of like that proverbial snake that bites you after you've befriended it.

Well, What'd You Expect?

(Here's to next year!)

Well, Angel fans, we are two games away from elimination. With a firm hold on third place in the division, I imagine the collective fandome (and Angel players as well) are scratching their heads wondering what happened. There are plenty of other blog posts dissecting this year's losing season, so I'm not going to go into any fine detail here, but when a franchise lets loose those components which were its identity, you kinda have to say "what'd you expect?".

Plenty of sports nuts will tell you that letting Figgins go to Seattle proved to be the right move, and that, in the end, letting Guerrero go to the Rangers will prove to be the right move, and letting Lackey go to the Red Sox most definitely proved to be the right move, but, without a doubt, those three guys were what summed up everything that was the Angels.

Chone Figgins, that small, speedy ball of energy, able to get on base by any means, and then steal any base yet in front of him was a great lead-off hitter for the Angels. Scrappy is the word that comes to mind, and hard-working. After sliding into second for yet another stolen base he'd come up grinning from ear to ear.

Vladimir Guerrero, that slow, lumbering, lovable giant that never saw a pitch he didn't like was a man whose shoulders were more than broad enough to carry a team to wherever they wanted to go. Is he playing baseball or is he golfing? His ability to hit any pitch that got anywhere near the plate combined with his cannon-of-an-arm in right field made him a powerhouse.

And finally, John Lackey (cue up the music "Big Bad John"). John's attitude always seemed to be that the more difficult the situation, the more he wanted the ball. His 'take no prisoners' attitude was inspiring, as was his quickness to protect his team-mates, especially if it meant a benches-clearing brawl. Lackey was the man you trusted on the mound.

On paper, the Angels are a better team without them. On paper, their replacements have out-performed them. But baseball is much more than lists of statistics on paper. Sabermetric nerds can roll their eyes at this next statement, but, you can't rip out the heart and soul out of a team and still expect to get a pulse.

But, hey, what'd you expect? Next year, however, now that will be different!