Weekly Mail May 14, 2017

Happy Mother's Day:



         Didn't publish last week because of Timmy's communion, which turned out to be a glorious day. We ended up with fantastic weather (which wasn't predicted) a very well done ceremony, and the reception was a great time had by all. I can't believe how the times flies, seems like just yesterday we baptized the little guy, now he's getting so big on us. Once again, as David Letterman used to say I'm pulling a Kathie Lee, but if you can't do that when your kid makes communion, when can you?


R.I.P.


1) The Rangers.

So I know I had said that I didn't really think they would beat the Canadiens, so by that logic, I shouldn't be that bummed that they lost to the Senators.

Except that I believe Ottawa wasn't as good as Montreal, and the Rangers had not only ample opportunity to win this series, they really should have put those bums away in 5 games.

Game 1 they lost on a fluke, nothing you can do about that. Games 2 and 5 however, were games they had no business losing. They blew a pair of two goal leads in Game 2, and then they were less than 2 minutes away from winning Game 5, when Derrick Brassard of all people, tied it up.

I had just gotten home from the communion as OT was starting and when Michael Grabner appeared to win it, I breathed a sigh of relief. But then they said it was a high stick so the goal didn't count. At that point I knew we were f-cked.

And we were.

Then to add insult to injury, they came out sleepwalking in Game 6, only turning on the jets for the third period by which time it was too late.

I deliberately didn't take to social media after the game too rant because I wanted to wait till I cooled off before I started offering suggestions. But even after 4 or 5 days, one thing hasn't changed.... I believe the Rangers need to make a coaching change. Like immediately.

Alian Vinegualt's success as Rangers coach is hard to quibble with.... In his four years, they have made the playoffs all 4 times, with a trip to the Finals, Conference Finals, and then a first and second round exit respectively. They have played the second most playoffs games (behind Chicago) of any team in the last 5 years, and the most playoff games without winning a Cup.

You know what that means? Nothing!

In Game 2, Brady Skjei scored two goals, he was by far their best player that game. Yet AV only played him 5 minutes in the entire two overtimes, relying on a washed up Marc Stall instead. Why you would bench your best player is beyond me.

Then in Game 5, he said that it seemed like the players didn't realize there was an extra attacker on for Ottawa in the waning seconds of the third period. Dude, I've never played an organized game of hockey in my life, and even I know that when you are up by one and the game is winding down that the other team is going to pull their goalie. How are the players not prepared for that? That's a lack of preparation. That is on the coach.

And to come out as flat as they did, knowing their season was on the line for Game 6? Well that was the final straw for me. AV has to go. It's just like with Willie Randolph for the Mets in 2007. I told you all he needed to go then and I was right. Both those Mets and these Rangers laid down when the going got tough. I didn't question Randolph's baseball knowledge and I don't question AV's hockey knowledge. But both men were stubborn in their approaches, and both men cost their teams a shot at further glory.

Someone asked, "Well if you let him go, who do you get to replace him?" Well, a two time Stanley Cup winning coach was just fired in Los Angeles, so maybe that's a good place to start.

Boomer Esiason, on his WFAN Morning show, told a caller who suggested AV be shit-canned that "someone would grab him up in 10 minutes." Good. Let him be someone else's headache.

Au Revior.


2) The Sports Reporters

Last Sunday, the Sports Reporters had their final show, meaning that besides the occasional 30 for 30, ESPN has officially become unwatchable.

Couple of weeks back, ESPN laid off over 100 workers, including on air talent. They decimated what was left of their hockey department and college football took a big hit. They are now hanging their hopes on their 6 PM Sportscenter with boring Michael Smith and Jemele Hill.

As for the Sports Reporters, Page Six reported a couple of months back that Mike Lupica's diva-ness qualities was one of the chief reasons the plug was pulled on the show. Truth of the matter is that the show probably jumped the shark a while ago, and John Saunders untimely death just exacerbated that fact. Still, when I went to my DVR on Sunday morning, it was tough not seeing it there.

Speaking of Divas, it was a tough week if your last name was Harvey.



DIVAS-The misadventures of Matt and Steve

Here's the Story
Of two guys named Harvey
One's a pitcher the other has a show
One of them's a drunken lush
And the other
Tells his staff to go blow..

Matt Harvey was supposed to pitch last Sunday against the Marlins. Instead, he was suspended for three games. Typical of the Mets, they didn't say why, leaving it for the intrepid NY Media to retrace his steps from the previous few days. Indeed, it turned out that Harvey, dejected after being dumped by Adriana Lima, decided to head to 1Oak in the Meatpacking district to drown his sorrows in expensive booze last Friday night. He was able to stumble out for a round of early morning golf, but was unable to make it to Citi Field for Saturday night's game. The unexcused absence is what prompted the suspension.

Now I was, still am down on Harvey, I think he's a pain in the a$$ and probably more trouble than he'll ever be worth, but at this point, what are you going to do with him? He doesn't make a ton of money, so he's not a financial burden, you can't trade him, no one will give any value for him, The only thing you can do for this poor bastard at this point is get him clean (if necesary) get him sober and get him turned around. Then you can either trade his a$$, or hopefully watch him finally contribute.


Then later in the week, an interoffice memo from the set of the Steve Harvey show was leaked. We all know Steve Harvey as the affable, smiling host of Family Feud, Little Big Shots and his own syndicated program. But a different side of Big Steve emerged this week.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome back.

I’d like you all to review and adhere to the following notes and rules for Season 5 of my talk show.

There will be no meetings in my dressing room. No stopping by or popping in. NO ONE.

Do not come to my dressing room unless invited.

Do not open my dressing room door. IF YOU OPEN MY DOOR, EXPECT TO BE REMOVED.

My security team will stop everyone from standing at my door who have the intent to see or speak to me.

I want all the ambushing to stop now. That includes TV staff.

You must schedule an appointment.

I have been taken advantage of by my lenient policy in the past. This ends now. NO MORE.

Do not approach me while I’m in the makeup chair unless I ask to speak with you directly. Either knock or use the doorbell.

I am seeking more free time for me throughout the day.

Do not wait in any hallway to speak to me. I hate being ambushed. Please make an appointment.

I promise you I will not entertain you in the hallway, and do not attempt to walk with me.

If you’re reading this, yes, I mean you.

Everyone, do not take offense to the new way of doing business. It is for the good of my personal life and enjoyment.

Thank you all,

Steve Harvey

Well then...

What makes this worse is that Harvey's show is moving from Chicago to Los Angeles, meaning that the staff that this memo is being directed at is most likely going to be out of work anyway. Indeed most suspect the memo was leaked by a disgruntled soon to be ex staff member.

What a tool he looks like here! And the explanation he offered was more like a doubling down than an apology. If he wants more free time, give up one of your shows. Right now, you just look like a spoiled chump.

Sorry, I'm a bit salty this week. The Rangers, the Mets, Donald Trump (in that order)

Hope all the Mom's out there had a wonderful day

Have a Great Week!