Morning Marquee: Ernie Banks memorials continue in Chicago

Memorials for the recently departed Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks continued to pile up around the city of Chicago, namely near the Friendly Confines, as fans of the team and the game honored the Cubs legend.

Former Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto joined the crosstown rival Chicago White Sox on a minor league deal in recent days – marking another addition for Robin Ventura‘s club heading into Spring Training.

More from Cubbies Crib

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• Cubs need to walk the walk this winter after talking the talk
• Cubs, 2 superstar free agents-to-be have ‘mutual interest’
• Where’s the love for Cubs prospect Matt Mervis?
• Alec Mills shocked Cubs fans, baseball world with 2020 no-hitter

Free agent right-hander James Shields is still yet to find a home for the 2015 season, despite a near-decade long string of 30-plus starts coupled with 200 or more innings. Several notable American League clubs are believed to be interested in the former Kansas City Royals ace, but no clear front-runners have emerged.

Coming off a terrible 2014 season, the Texas Rangers are now turning their attention to shoring up the relief corps while the best player in the American League – as well as other award-winners – Mike Trout, received his respective award at an event. Trout will no doubt enter 2015 as the front-runner to take home the AL MVP once again.

Here’s more news from around the baseball world.

“Cubs claim Gonzalez Germen; fill 40-man roster” – Cubbies Crib

“Best fits for top ten remaining free agents” – ESPN Insider

“Relief help still a focus for the Rangers” – FOX Sports

“Ted Lilly facing up to five years in jail” – Cubbies Crib

“Talks between Brewers, Phils are on ‘life support'” – Journal-Sentinel