1.   All three have lower payrolls than the Brewers, and they are contending for playoff spots, the Reds and Athletics especially.

2.   Although the Kings continue to head toward a Western Conference playoff spot, their scoring drought has in some ways overshadowed their success.

3.   Amazingly, despite their poor record, a playoff spot remains in reach.

4.   Amazingly, the Royals still have a decent shot at getting a wild-card playoff spot.

5.   Although they are tied for the fewest points in the National Hockey League, the Islanders are only six points out of a playoff spot.

6.   Anaheim entered the game three points out of a playoff spot with four games remaining.

7.   And games were lost, which is why the Stars were clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot when they came out of the Olympic break.

8.   And he said the job goaltender Felix Potvin has done since coming over from Vancouver is the reason the Kings are within reach of a playoff spot.

9.   And if the season ended now, the Giants and Lions would be tied for the final wild-card playoff spot in the National Football Conference.

10.   And how about the Devils, the two-time defending Eastern Conference champs, going into third-seeded Carolina, the last Eastern team to clinch a playoff spot?