erve it and they deserve it, as well.___AP NFL website:

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs took another step toward the future on Tuesday, designating second baseman Darwin Barney for assignment. Josh Reddick Astros Jersey . Second baseman Emilio Bonifacio was activated from the disabled list to take Barneys place on the roster. Bonifacio had been out since June 13 because of strained right oblique. The 28-year-old Barney won a Gold Glove in the 2012, when his 141 consecutive games without an error tied a major league record. But he regressed noticeably at the plate and, with the recent promotion of Arismendy Alcantara and other infield prospects on the way, he no longer fit the master plan. "He got in a position here where playing time started to be scarce for him -- whether it was (Luis) Valbuena, whether it was Bonifacio or it was Alcantara -- and that necessitated the move," general manager Jed Hoyer said. "It certainly wasnt easy. He is such a great guy and a great competitor, and hopefully, through this process, we can get him to a place where he can help a contender and get a feel for a pennant race." Barney was hitting .230 with two home runs and 16 RBIs in 72 games. Last season he hit .208 with six home runs and 41 RBI in 141 games, all except two as a starter. The Cubs have 10 days to trade or place Barney on unconditional waivers. If he clears waivers, the team can release him. Earlier this month, veteran pitcher Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija were dealt to the Oakland Athletics highly regarded shortstop prospect Addison Russell. More moves were expected in the weeks ahead for the 40-57 Cubs. Also, pitcher Kyle Hendricks was recalled from Iowa and pitcher Zac Rosscup was optioned to the Triple-A club. Hendricks was the scheduled starter for the game against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. George Springer Astros Jersey . A judge had summoned Clemens and Brian McNamee to federal court in Brooklyn for settlement talks aimed at heading off a trial in the defamation case. McNamees lawyer emerged saying an agreement wasnt likely. "I think this is a case where the lines are deeply drawn in the sand," said attorney Richard Emery. Chris Devenski Jersey . Former San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds made his longshot request of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit upheld Bonds conviction in September. https://www.cheapastros.com/343o-yordan-alvarez-jersey-astros.html . Authorities in Medina, Minn., released the details one day after Cunningham was jailed for another alleged incident with the woman he had been living with for the previous eight months. Cunningham had already been charged with felony domestic assault for allegedly choking the woman last week.SEATTLE - Eventually, the paths of Green Bay and Seattle were going to cross again.After they opened the 2014 NFL season in early September, it seemed inevitable that Aaron Rodgers would get a second chance to throw at Richard Sherman — if he wanted to. That Russell Wilson would have to avoid Clay Matthews trying to chase him down. And that the Packers would get another opportunity to topple Seattle and be the elite of the NFC.They were the two best teams in the conference in the second half of the regular season. So its only fitting the Packers and Seahawks meet Sunday for the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl.Its just the way it should be. It should be just like that right now, Seattle coach Pete Carroll said.Dont be mistaken by their recent prowess, this wasnt a smooth ride for either franchise. Whether it was Rodgers telling Packers fans to R-E-L-A-X early in the season, or Seattle dealing with the expectations of being a Super Bowl champion, along with the stunning midseason trade of Percy Harvin, this was no cruise.It was a process throughout the year, Green Bay linebacker Julius Peppers said. You get better and better each week. That is the main thing you want to do each week, get better than you were before, and I think we accomplished that over the season.Green Bay has added one more obstacle in the post-season: Rodgers left calf injury that has limited his mobility. But Rodgers showed in last weeks divisional-round win over Dallas he can manage just fine, throwing for 316 yards and three touchdowns in the 26-21 victory.Now All-Pro Rodgers gets his first shot at an NFC title since winning at Chicago in January 2011. A Super Bowl victory over Pittsburgh followed.Its a different team, Rodgers said. I think its less than 20 guys still here from that team. Its only four years ago. But we have confidence that we can win on the road.Heres what else to watch for as Seattle tries to become the first defending champion in a decade to reach consecutive Super Bowls:CALF WATCH: Rodgers injury is slowing him from scrambling before throwing, one of his strengths. His right arm is just fine. Rodgers got hurt during the Dec. 21 game against Tampa Bay. He still completed 74 per cent of his passes in his last three games, including the win over Dallas. Coach Mike McCarthy has had Rodgers operating out of shotgun formations to help limit his movement.Perhaps just as importantly for the Packers has been the solid work of the offensive line much of the year. All-Pro fullback John Kuhn, an excellent blocker, has also seen more time of late. Rodgers will need top-notch protection against Seattles tough defence.SILENT SHERMM: Sherman, another All-Pro, was bored when Green Bay visited in the season opener. Joe Pepitone Jersey. Through the entire game, Rodgers refused to throw at the cornerback, instead turning to the other side of the field. Sherman took Rodgers approach as a sign of respect. It also left him frustrated. He described it as being a 12 on a 1-10 scale.Everybodys like, Man, thats cool, nobody threw to your side, Sherman said. But if youre a player, you want to make plays in the game, you feel you can help your team, you want the ball coming your way more.Sherman doesnt expect it the same this time.Im not surprised either way, Sherman said. But I expect them to execute their game plan, whatever that may be. Not sure what theyre going to do.ATTITUDE: Linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers draw the headlines and make big plays on the Packers defence. Lineman Mike Daniels supplies the attitude. A mainstay up front, Daniels demeanour sets a stern tone on game day.Theyll need Daniels and fellow lineman Letroy Guion to slow down bullish running back Marshawn Lynch just enough to allow linebackers Matthews and Sam Barrington, and safety Morgan Burnett to try to finish off tackles up the middle. Daniels has 14 tackles and two sacks over his last four games.COMING OF AGE: When Green Bay visited in Week 1, centre Corey Linsley, wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Richard Rodgers were all making their NFL debuts. Now theyre integral parts of the offence. Adams was the star of Green Bays win over Dallas last week with seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown.You expect those guys to hit some sort of lull during the year, as the college season is usually 12 or 13 games, Aaron Rodgers said. After the preseason, youre looking at midway through the season, thats a normal college season for these guys, and you havent seen it.THANKS BUFFALO: Seattle ultimately owes thanks to Buffalo for Sundays title game being played at CenturyLink Field. The Bills victory over Green Bay in Week 15 was the difference in Seattle winning the tiebreaker for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Instead of Seattle being forced to deal with the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin, the Packers are about to enter the Seahawks cauldron of noise — certain to be even more amped than when Green Bay visited to open the season.Any time we get the home games, especially the NFC championship at home, and we get to play in front of the 12s, its exciting, Seattle safety Kam Chancellor said of the teams fan base. Its exciting for us, exciting for them, and I think we deserve it and they deserve it, as well.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '