1.   Although there should be a solid nucleus of players returning, the goal of many is to take the step up to the NFL.

2.   Buffalo cut loose Bruce Smith and Thurman Thomas, but a solid young nucleus.

3.   That is a solid nucleus to build around.

4.   The Astros made diversifying the roster a priority this offseason and did so by assembling a solid nucleus of role players.

5.   The current cluster of long-term deals, however, gives Melvin a solid nucleus to build upon.

6.   The Diamondbacks already had a solid pitching nucleus with right-hander Andy Benes, left-handers Brian Anderson and Omar Daal and right-handed closer Gregg Olson.

7.   The Seahawks certainly have a solid nucleus of young talent in which to base their optimism, notably in rookie wide receiver Joey Galloway.

8.   The Sonics still have a solid nucleus in place.

9.   The Stars have a solid nucleus of defensemen in Hatcher, Richard Matvichuk, Darryl Sydor and Sergei Zubov, who eat up a lot of the minutes.

10.   We had a solid nucleus we wanted to try to keep in place going in there.