Most satisfying to Russ Smith about No.

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MONTREAL -- Theres no doubt in Troy Smiths mind hell be the Montreal Alouettes starting quarterback when training camp opens in June. Gary Carter Mets Jersey . "In my mind, thats the only way I will prepare," he said via telephone from Columbus, Ohio. "Thats the only way I think I will do the team justice. "When you think the way youre supposed to, thats when you help the team most. When you hold back, when you dont allow yourself to reach your full potential obviously you hinder the team. I want to do nothing but help the team and the only way I can is thinking as the starter." Montreal agreed with Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, and youngster Tanner Marsh on three-year contracts Friday. Both took significant snaps with the club in 2013 after incumbent Anthony Calvillo suffered a season-ending concussion. Montreal continues to await official word from Calvillo, 41, regarding his CFL future. But in November, pro footballs all-time passing leader admitted hes leaning towards retirement. Jim Popp, Montreals head coach and GM, said there was plenty to like about Smiths play last season. "Im very impressed with Troys leadership, communication skills and ability to grab his teammates attention," Popp said. "Last season, Troy quickly proved to us he can adapt to the CFL and showed great promise for the future." Smith, 29, joined the Alouettes roughly midway through the season and took over as the starter Oct. 20, compiling a 2-1 record. Montreal finished third in the East Division with an 8-11 record and the six-foot, 225-pound Smith was under centre for the clubs 19-16 overtime loss to Hamilton in the conference semifinal. Late in the fourth quarter, game officials missed a pass interference call in the end zone on Montreals Duron Carter. Instead of getting the ball at the Hamilton one-yard line with a chance for the go-ahead touchdown, the Alouettes had to settle for a field goal to force overtime. "Losing on a fluke call does nothing but leave a bitter taste in my mouth," Smith said. "Playing last year makes me a little more hungry, a little more thirsty about having the chance and possibility to get to the Grey Cup. "Its on." Marsh began his rookie season third on Montreals depth chart behind Calvillo and backup Josh Neiswander. On Aug. 22, the former Arkansas Tech star came off the bench to rally Montreal to a thrilling 39-38 home win over B.C., his 57-yard completion to Eric Deslauriers setting up the game-winning field goal. The six-foot-four, 218-pound Marsh finished his rookie season completing 56-of-106 passes for 972 yards with three TDs and eight interceptions. He also ran for 125 yards and two TDs on 21 carries. Heady stuff considering Marsh arrived in Montreal with low expectations. "I was just hoping to make the practice squad," he said via telephone from Russellville, Ark. "The next thing you know, a year later I sign an extension, which is pretty darn awesome." Popp said Marsh impressed with both his legs and arm. "Were excited about Tanner," he said. "Were looking forward to seeing his athletic skills and his dual-threat ability as he continues to develop into what we feel will be a premier player. "His performance versus B.C. made him an instant icon in Montreal. Marsh Madness continues." But Marsh understands hell return to Montreal in 2014 with no guarantees. "I got an extension so obviously they have faith in me," he said. "It gives me a chance to come back next year and compete. "It gives me a little confidence to come in and compete and know I have a chance to be the quarterback with the Montreal Alouettes for the next three years." Marsh has no indication what Calvillo will ultimately decide but admitted he was stunned by Calvillos football knowledge. "The biggest thing I learned last year was I have a lot to learn," Marsh said. "I remember A.C. and I going over reads and every little thing. "After that first meeting, I was like, Wow, theres a reason why hes the best. I learned more from him than I could even describe." Lenny Dykstra Mets Jersey . - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is not a fan of his teams use of the wildcat formation, saying "it makes you look like a high school offence. Mark Lowe Blue Jays Jersey . In what the team had called a retirement, Ryan said Thursday that he is resigning as chief executive of the Rangers in a move effective at the end of this month. http://www.officialmlbshoponline.net/Chicago-Cubs-Cyber-Monday-Jorge-Soler-Jersey-Black-Friday/ . -- Most satisfying to Russ Smith about No. CHICAGO -- Cuban slugger Jose Abreu has agreed to a six-year, $68 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, a person familiar with the situation said Friday. The person spoke Friday on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced and was pending a physical. Several outlets had earlier reported the agreement. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Abreu could play first base or serve as the designated hitter. He batted .360 (9-for-25) with three home runs and nine RBIs at the World Baseball Classic last spring, and he defected over the summer. Abreu joins a team that went 63-99 after finishing second in the AL Central. The White Sox believe they can turn things around quickly because of their pitching, but defence and hitting were huge problems for them this past season. They ranked 29th in fielding percentage, and they didnt get the job done at the plate, either. A lack of speed and a drop in power added up to the White Sox scoring the fewest runs in the American League. They batted just .249 and saw their home run total plummet to 148 after they rannked third in the majors with 211 the previous year. Custom Chicago Cubs Jersey. With Adam Dunn signed through next season and Abreu in the mix, there might not be room for Paul Konerko. At 37 and with an expiring contract, he might have played his last season with the White Sox -- or any other team. The six-time All-Star is coming off one of his worst seasons and said at the end of the year that he would take a month to decide if hell try to play next season. He wasnt sure if the White Sox even wanted him back after he hit .244 with just 12 homers and 54 RBIs while dealing with a back problem. If this does signal the end in Chicago, its been quite a run. Acquired from Cincinnati following the 1998 season, Konerko helped lead the White Sox to a championship in 2005. He ranks second on the White Soxs list to Frank Thomas in homers and RBIs. NOTE: The White Sox outrighted left-handed pitcher David Purcey to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday. He was 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA over 24 relief appearances with Chicago. The White Soxs 40-man roster is at 36. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys cheap jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys ' ' '