Cubbies Crib: Morning Marquee 11/21

Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom,the highest civilian honor, on Wednesday by President Obama at the White House. Shortstop Arismendy Alcantara and pitcher Dallas Beeler from Class AA Tennessee were added to the Cubs’ 40-man roster. Those two players are protected from being taken by another team in December’s Rule 5 draft.

In free agency, there was a big blockbuster trade between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers late Wednesday night. The Tigers traded first baseman Prince Fielder and $30 million to offset the $168 million that Fielder is still owed over the remaining seven years of his whopping contract. The Tigers received All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler in return. The Cleveland Indians also signed outfielder David Murphy for two-years, worth $12 million and the St. Louis Cardinals announced a three-year extension for manager Mike Matheny as well as Chris Carpenter’s retirement.

Chicago Tribune: Ernie Banks awarded Medal of Freedom

CSN Chicago: Yankees get money’s worth in Soriano megadeal

Daily Herald: Cubs add two players to roster

Cubs.com: Cubs collecting items to aid Illinois tornado victims

Cubs Den: Cubs Notes: Cuban defectors; Rule 5 Draft; and should Cubs take flyer on Sizemore?

Detroit Free-Press: Tigers trade Prince Fielder to Texas for Kinsler; deal may free up cash for Scherzer

FOX Sports: A-Rod walks out of grievance hearing, claims process is ‘abusive’

CBS Sports: Indians, David Murphy agree to two-year, $12M deal

NBC Sports: Cardinals sign manager Mike Matheny through 2017

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