Unser Chat » so it did a goo

CHICAGO -- Paul Konerko will likely be watching from the bench for the start of what figures to be his 16th and final opening day with the Chicago White Sox And the 38-year-old first baseman is comfortable with that decision, which ends a streak of 15 consecutive opening-day starts. Konerkos new role is as a right-handed-hitting platoon player at designated hitter. With Minnesota starting right-hander Ricky Nolasco, left-handed-hitting Adam Dunn will start. "I just think its the way it should be," Konerko said Sunday as both teams conducted voluntary workouts. "Its just not part of the blueprint of what were going to do here. ... Its pretty simple. Theres a plan and roles of when guys play and when they dont." A six-time All-Star, Konerko agreed in December to a $2.5 million, one-year contract. White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Konerko made the choice to stay with the platoon. "In talking to Paulie, its not an easy decision," Ventura said, "but when you go over how youre going to do this and make this work, he made it clear this is kind of what he signed up to do." Left-hander Chris Sale starts for the White Sox. He was surprised by Konerkos decision but said he respected it. "I think he should be out there," Sale said. "What hes done for this city, what hes done for this team, who hes been throughout his career, I think hes earned that. But what he says, goes." Starting his second White Sox opener, Sale faces Nolasco in only the third time opening-day meeting between the teams and the first since 1993. After a lengthy and severe Chicago winter, Mondays forecast calls for partly sunny skies and a 65-degree temperature. The White Sox are coming off a 63-99 season, their poorest record since 1970. Their projected lineup features five players making their opening-day debuts, including Cuban slugger Jose Abreu, who signed a $68 million, six-year contract. "I dont really know where Im going to be hitting, but it doesnt matter," Abreu said through a translator. "To be honest with you, thats irrelevant. Im ready to hit wherever they put me. Im here to help the team." Minnesota (66-96) committed $73 million to sign Nolasco (13-11 for Miami and the Los Angeles Dodgers) and Phil Hughes in an effort to rebuild its pitching. "Its important to get off to a good start," Nolasco said. "I know theyve been struggling the last couple years, but weve been working hard as a staff trying to go out there do quick, efficient innings, get us back in the dugout and try to swing the bats." Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Nolasco is ready for the season. "Rickys game on," he said. "Im not worried about him one bit. Hell go until he tells us hes tired. Hes very sure of what he needs to do to win." Despite snow piles and a frozen field earlier this month, Roger Bossards groundskeepers got the playing surface ready at U.S. Cellular Field. "Im impressed," Ventura said. "We thought thered be an iceberg out in left field with all the reports we got. ... But we knew Roger would pull it off this off." Royce Freeman Broncos Jersey . - Alex Dostie scored two goals and assisted on another to lead the Gatineau Olympiques to a 5-3 victory over the Drummondville Voltigeurs in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action on Sunday. Josey Jewell Jersey . Hes coming back to fulfil them. One of Europes top coaches, Blatt was hired Friday by the Cavaliers, who ended a sweeping, 39-day search with an out-of-the-box selection they hope changes their fortunes. http://www.authenticshopbroncos.com/broncos-courtland-sutton-navy-blue-jersey/ . -- Syracuse was dangerously close to letting another less talented opponent pull off the upset when C. Isaac Yiadom Jersey . Sam, who joined the Cowboys in early September, has spent the entire season on the practice roster. Case Keenum Broncos Jersey . The 24-year-old Pruneau played his CIS football with the Montreal Carabins. The six-foot, 200-pound Montreal native had 41 tackles, 3.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Stephen Hills disappointing second season is officially over. The New York Jets placed the wide receiver on injured reserve Friday with an ailing left knee that has swelled during the last few weeks. The speedy Hill had just 24 catches for 342 yards and a touchdown in what many expected could be a breakout year. Instead, Hill dealt with the balky knee all season and it affected him coming in and out of breaks on routes. "He just wasnt right for the last couple of weeks," coach Rex Ryan said Friday. "He would gut through it and he could go out and participate, but he just wasnt the same guy. This wasnt the guy that we drafted that, ran the 4.25 time in the 40." A second-round pick out of Georgia Tech last year, Hill had one catch for 2 yards in his last four games. He sat out the Jets 37-27 win against Oakland last Sunday. "I didnt think it was going to end this way," Hill said. "I thought I was going to ride it out until the end of the season, but coach noticed that things werent right and he didnt want to mess me up for future things." The Jets elevated wide receiver Saalim Hakim, the younger brother of former NFL receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, from the practice squad to take Hills spot on the roster. Ryan indicated Hakim could help on kickoff returns. Hill, the 13th Jets player to be placed on IR, said there are no plans for him to have surgery on the knee, adding he needs to strengthen the muscles around it. However, Ryan wasnt sure about that. "I think right now, its about resting and getting off his legs and treatment and things before you do surgery," Ryan said. "Is surgery an option? Im not sure. Certainly, I would think thats a poossibility.dddddddddddd" Its the second straight season Hill has seen his season end early because of a knee issue. Last year, he missed the final three games after spraining the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and needed surgery. Ryan also indicated that both of Hills knees had swelling during the season. "Theres obviously something going on in both his knees," Ryan said, "but its not like its an ACL or something like that. But again, I would not rule out surgery." Hill said his knee is "actually getting better" and doesnt feel pain, but rather stiffness that impacted his production. "I think it did a little bit, especially later on (in the season)," Hill said. "Ive been doing a lot of pounding on it, so it did a good amount later on." Hill said general manager John Idzik told him to make sure he remains in meetings because the team has "a plan" for him. "Im kind of happy for my future now because I know that things will definitely get better, especially with the strength around my knee," Hill said. "Im just taking this as a positive stepping stone and trying to move on." NOTES: CB Antonio Cromartie was listed as questionable for the game at Carolina after being limited in practice for the second straight day while he continues the NFLs concussion protocol. He was injured when he collided with teammate Ed Reed last Sunday against Oakland. Ryan said Cromarties availability Sunday could be a game-time decision. ... TE Kellen Winslow (knee) was limited in practice, but was expected to play. WR Santonio Holmes (foot, hamstring) was a full participant after being limited the previous two days. Cheap Jerseys China NFL Jerseys China NFL Jerseys Wholesale Discount Basketball Jerseys Cheap NHL Jerseys Authentic Cheap Baseball Jerseys Free Shipping Cheapest College Jerseys Sale Cheap Football Jerseys China Nike NFL Jerseys Canada Wholesale NHL Jerseys From China MLB Jerseys Outlet Canada Wholesale NBA Jerseys Canada Store Cheap Soccer Jerseys China Cheap Authentic Jerseys Canada ' ' '