11.   Given the paucity of qualified defensemen around the NHL, Hawgood is a virtual lock to get called back to the show.

12.   However, Conrail has a virtual lock on the Northeast.

13.   In Atlanta, the firm faced questions on how it managed to gain a virtual lock on handling some city finances while Maynard Jackson was mayor.

14.   In New York, Comptroller Carl McCall, an African American, had a virtual lock in his re-election bid.

15.   Japan has been considered a virtual lock for the tournament.

16.   Marsh, trained locally by Manley Waller, is a virtual lock to represent Australia in Atlanta.

17.   Minnesota point guard Stephon Marbury is reported to be a virtual lock to sign with Chicago before next season.

18.   Of five unrestricted free agents, only Jayson Williams is a virtual lock to re-sign with the team.

19.   Ray Buchanan, who is entering his sixth season in the NFL, is a virtual lock to make the team.

20.   Right-handers Ken Hill, Roger Pavlik, Kevin Gross and Bobby Witt are virtual locks for the rotation.