21.   Encarnacion, a defensive specialist, was acquired from the San Diego Padres in a minor-league trade Saturday.

22.   Finley had a good preseason camp and is already prompting comparisons to former Lakers defensive specialist Michael Cooper.

23.   Gainey was so dissatisfied on Saturday that he played defensive specialist Doug Zmolek on two power plays.

24.   Galaxy midfield playmaker Mauricio Cienfuegos struggled after fellow playmaker and defensive specialist Martin Machon left to play in Mexico.

25.   He became expendable when the Stars signed defensive specialist Bob Bassen in July.

26.   He has had a defensive specialist in Alonzo Jamison, a remarkable athlete in Darrin Hancock, shooters in Patrick Richey and Sean Pearson.

27.   His experience was obvious with Belodedici, the Romanian sweeper whose job title smacks of defensive specialist.

28.   In particular, Aaron McKie, a defensive specialist, was important on offense in the decisive game.

29.   Ironically, that was when point guard and defensive specialist Fredie Williams and role-playing forward Deginald Erskin returned to active duty.

30.   Izturis, a defensive specialist, is the favorite.