SANTA CLARA, Calif. John Klingberg Stars Jersey . - San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said Saturday that he expects the NFLs decision on a possible suspension for linebacker Aldon Smith to be announced soon, perhaps even before the preseason begins Aug. 7. Baalke also stressed that he had not been told of any specific timeline from the league — just that Smith will meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell soon and a decision should come shortly after that. "Dont have a date. We know its going to happen sooner rather than later. Certainly, this isnt something thats going to drag into the season and may not even drag as far as into the preseason games itself," Baalke said. "Its something thats going to be addressed. Weve been in contact with the league, the leagues been in contact with us, but we dont have a set date at this moment." Smith was sentenced last week to three years of probation and to spend 11 days with a work crew after he pleaded no contest to drunken driving and weapons charges. He is expected to serve on the work crew on Mondays, which are a scheduled day off for the 49ers. Baalke said 49ers owner Jed York has spoken with Goodell about Smiths expected discipline. The linebacker underwent treatment at an in-patient facility and missed five games last year following his DUI arrest, though he did play the first game after the incident. Baalke said the team can lobby on Smiths behalf and for a speedy decision but cant decide how the process plays out. "Do we have any say? We can give our thoughts. We can give our input. But its really up to the commissioner," Baalke said. Baalkes comments came during a rare and impromptu visit with writers inside the new media workroom at Levis Stadium. He addressed all team matters — or, in many cases, declined to address them — during the 47-minute session, including the contracts of tight end Vernon Davis and training camp holdout and right guard Alex Boone. Davis and Boone skipped the teams voluntary off-season workout program and mandatory minicamp, which could draw a fine up to $70,000. Davis has since returned for training camp and said hes focused on football. Baalke declined to discuss eithers contract status at length. Asked if Davis should be among the recent players such as quarterback Colin Kaepernick and left tackle Joe Staley given an extension, Baalke said "hes certainly one of those guys that deserves to be a 49er." Baalke also was asked if there had been any recent discussions with Boone or his agent, possibly trading the lineman and the teams philosophy about negotiating with training camp holdouts. Each time, Baalke said he didnt want to get into a "merry-go-round" of discussing the issues. "I find nothing positive is going to come from discussing any of this, our strategies, how we deal with players, how we deal with this situation versus others," Baalke said. "Ive never seen anything positive come from that, with anybody thats used those techniques." Baalke also reverted to that answer when asked about the contracts of wide receiver Michael Crabtree and left guard Mike Iupati. Both are entering the final seasons of their deals. But the general manager spoke of a consistent theme throughout while addressing the countless issues around that team: that the 49ers have enough talent and depth to compete for the franchises elusive sixth Super Bowl title. San Francisco has gone to three straight NFC championships and one Super Bowl without winning the Lombardi Trophy. Baalke said its up to the players in camp to come together and make it happen now. "The saying that I like to go by is, Individuals win games. You win a lot of games with individuals. You win championships with teams," he said. "Teams win championships — thats the bottom line. Can you take 90 guys at the start of camp and meld them into a team that has the fortitude, the resolve, the work ethic, the passion, the compassion, all those things that go into building a team? Thats the challenge. Thats the greatest challenge. We like our odds." Mike Gartner Stars Jersey . In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Michigans Nik Stauskas of Mississauga, Ontario. Martin Hanzal Stars Jersey .com) - Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mat Latos had an arthroscopic procedure performed on his right elbow last week, the teams official site reported Wednesday. http://www.thedallasstarshockey.com/jamie-benn-hockey-jersey/ . -- The Chicago Bears have agreed to a one-year contract with cornerback Kelvin Hayden. MINSK, Belarus -- Defending champion Sweden blanked the Czech Republic 3-0 Sunday to earn the bronze at the ice hockey world championship. Joakim Lindstrom scored early and Simon Hjalmarsson netted another one in the opening period for Sweden to take control. Mikael Backlund rounded off the win with a wrist shot past goaltender Alexander Salak in the third. "We came here to win the gold," Lindstrom said. "That was our goal. But the competition is very, very hard, and all in all it was a pretty good tournament for us." Sweden had to settle for the third-place game after a 3-1 loss to Russia in the semifinals. The Czechs outshot Sweden 29-24 but failed to score for the second straight match after Finland blanked them 3-0 in Saturdays semis. Goaltender Anders Nilsson saved all 24 shots for the shutout. Jon Casey Jersey. "Hes been phenomenal, not just tonight, but the whole tournament," Lindstrom said. "From game one, hes been our backbone on this hockey team." The Czechs -- the 2010 champions -- struggled in the preliminary round, recording three losses before recovering to eliminate the United States in the quarterfinals. Veteran forward Jaromir Jagr said after the game it was his last with the national team -- although he will continue playing for his New Jersey Devils next season. "Its not that I would think Im not good enough for it," Jagr said. "But this is a different hockey than I play. My hockey doesnt fit this style." The announcement came a year before the Czech Republic hosts the next worlds. Russia faces Finland in the final later Sunday. ' ' '