TATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Joe Paterno wants to coach this weekend, but don’t look for him to pac... National sports notes: Sur

TATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Joe Paterno wants to coach this weekend, but don’t look for him to pace the sidelines in his blue Penn State jacket and rolled-up khakis.

The feisty 79-year-old coach was listed in good condition yesterday at Mount Nittany Medical Center following an 80-minute operation a day earlier on his fractured shin bone and two torn knee ligaments. The injuries stemmed from a sideline collision during last week’s loss to Wisconsin.

Paterno plans to coach Saturday against Temple, though it’s unclear if that means from the Beaver Stadium sidelines or a coach’s box.

"He woke up today and asked for the second phase of the game plan and scouting reports on Temple," school spokesman Guido D’Elia said. "He’s been on the phone all day. He’s still in charge."

Team doctor Wayne Sebastianelli anticipates a full recovery after several screws were inserted into the injured leg, which was also fitted with a temporary brace. Paterno might be able to put weight back on the leg in about six weeks.

"I’m going to be a players’ manager. My job is solely to make sure that every player on the Texas Rangers feels like they are part of everything going on here," Washington said last night, when he was introduced at a news conference. "As a manager, I’m no good if the players don’t get it done. If the players get it done, I’m great."

When Buck Showalter was fired after an 80-82 season with three years left on his contract, general manager Jon Daniels said the Rangers needed a "different perspective."

That’s exactly what they get with Washington, a coach for the Oakland Athletics the past 11 seasons. His two-year contract with Texas includes two additional option years.

"Keep it simple stupid, that’s my motto," he said. "The way you do that, you make sure you’re prepared in the fundamental areas of baseball and let the talents take over."

Chosen over four other candidates to replace Showalter, the 54-year-old Washington inherits a team that has had only one winning season since last making the playoffs in 1999. He is the Rangers’ 17th full-time manager and first black manager.

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