.Metrics. Data. Analytics. Advanced stats. Scary monsters, witches and sorcerers to you right?! Probably. Something I learned last night from Zach Lowe's column via Probasketballtalk (punch me if I call it a piece, I'm over that and ELITE. They're swear jar words now) is that all the data is going to crush volume scorers like Rudy Gay and the other that came to mind is Monta Ellis, and to a degree maybe Derrick Rose - if he doesn't dial down his volume of shots when he returns. The rise in the NBA’s “advanced” efficiency stats is trouble for volume shooters — teams are less interested in guys like Gay who need a lot of shots to score, they want guys who take fewer shots but make them from their spots on the floor. Teams like the Grizzlies will give up the old-school scorer like Gay to get the ball to guys who make a higher percentage of their shots.

.The umpire calling balls and strikes is BEHIND the mound. An ump got hurt, so this lasted for all of four batters till one went behind the plate, but I've suggested this zany idea before to get a more accurate view of balls and strikes - similar to the view from our couches at home where we're ALWAYS eagle eye'd with our calls. 

.Top 25 MLB Wags. Mat Latos' wife is woefully underrated, and yes Kate Upton is on the list - but whyyyy?

.Something you'd have expected to happen on First Take, actually happened at CSN Chicago. Remember former Hornet Kendall Gill? 

The altercation happened right in front of me as Mr. Doyle and I were walking through the CSN newsroom on our way out of the building.

Mr. Gill approached Mr. Doyle and called him out for his comments, which escalated to a shoving match and ultimately Mr. Gill throwing a punch at Mr. Doyle. The two bumped up against a sign on the wall and a small amount of blood was drawn (though it was unclear exactly how) before the two were separated.

.Wikipedia is usually the end-all for information, but this 25 year bracket app that the Washington Post has created is unbelievable. 

.Biggest win in the history of the Robert Morris program, but in a vacuum, a quality mid-major program for a handful of years (one who should've beaten a 2 seed 'Nova in 2010), beat an average-at-best high major that came from a lousy conference. Not a huge deal, but good for that community and that school. 

.Obama's bracket has Indiana over Florida. 

.The Heat are going to break the Lakers record of 33 straight, then possibly lose out, then lose no more than 2 games in the Eastern Conference, but Denver's won 13 straight, including both games (obv.) of back to backs against Chicago and OKC. 

No, the Heat probably wouldn't have won this many in a row if they were in the West, but they've still had some impressive wins during this streak. I was curious...what was the '71-'72 Lakers competition like back then during their streak. Tough conference. 

For the record, during the Heat's streak 12 of the 23 wins have come against playoff teams.

But, boy wouldn't it be something if the Cavs ended the Heat streak. Revenge is a dish, best served...three years later. 

.The NFL has passed the to-be named helmet rule. And by named, I mean which played becomes most guilty for the act, or most associated with it. I get why the players are griping, and I get that coaches and owners have done a fair amount of scientific research (and it's really just CYA), but this rule if it were truly authentic for player safety it wouldn't be so inside-out. What?

The rule is only applicable outside of the tackle box and three yards down; places where I'd guess the idea is to reduce high(er) speed head to head collisions.

So, if you're a back, and wanna lower your neck and head into a pile of humanity at the line of scrimmage, by all means...go for it, and hope the vertebrae remain intinct. 

In other words, the NFL REALLY would've altered the game if the rule was enforced INSIDE the tackle box.