11.   Catcher Paul LoDuca even was used in the top slot Friday.

12.   Come Saturday, Bryan Berard, another Rhode Islander, likely will become the third Yank to go in the top slot.

13.   Confirmation for this lesser job does not necessarily mean clear sailing for the top slot.

14.   Darren Van Impe should earn one of the top six slots, and Jonathan Girard will certainly be in the mix.

15.   Economic reformers occupy top slots in the government of President Boris Yeltsin.

16.   For Lugar, the loss of the top GOP slot to Helms was a bitter pill to swallow.

17.   Frank Biondi, who left the top slot at Universal Studios three months ago, has agreed to a consulting deal with syndicated TV producer King World Productions Inc.

18.   For Smith, who has been editing the National Journal, getting the top slot at U.S. News comes as professional vindication.

19.   Glorius herself competed for the top slot in her branch that year and beat out several others in a public competition.

20.   Gramm said Lott is the likely heir apparent to the top Senate slot.