March 30, 2023 News and Notes: MLB Opening Day

• Yes, the one day where hope springs eternal.  Even for the Pirates and other AA outfits masquerading as Major League Baseball teams.
• And a Hell Freezes Over day in the NBA:  For the first time in 16 years, the Sacramento Kings are in the playoffs!  It was the longest playoff drought of any franchise in the four major sports.
• The Kings are the seventh team to clinch into the main part of the playoffs.
• The Western Conference is going to be a mess.  With five to play, the Clippers, at five over .500, are the 5 seed and doesn't need to do the extra tournament to get in.  The Mavericks, at only three under .500, are the eleventh "seed" in the Western Conference, and out of the playoffs.
• The Warriors, at three over .500, are the six seed and the last team not to be in the play-in tournament.  31-8 at home, 9-29 on the road!