Baseball-Major League Baseball roundup

Jan 24 (The Sports Xchange) - From the White House, sports greats and fans everywhere, tributes poured in for "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks, who died Friday night at the age of 83. The Chicago Cubs honored Banks on the Wrigley Field marquee that said: "ERNIE BANKS, 'MR. CUB' 1931-2015" Banks was known as "Mr. Cub" for his identification with only the major league club he played for during his 19-year career. He won the National League MVP Award in consecutive years, 1958 and 1959. But it was his cheerful personality and his love of the game that made him such a popular player. His catchphrase, "Let's Play Two," reflected his desire to play a doubleheader instead of just one game. Banks played shortstop most of his career before moving over to first base. He batted .274 with 512 homers, 1,636 RBIs and 2,583 hits during his career. In 2013, Banks was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, a noted Chicago White Sox fan. President Obama and wife Michelle issued a statement Saturday, saying Banks "was beloved by baseball fans everywhere." "Michelle and I send our condolences to the family of Ernie Banks, and to every Chicagoan and baseball fan who loved him," the president said. - - - New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who sat out last year due to a steroids suspension, met with new commissioner Rob Manfred this week to clear the air. According to the reports, Rodriguez initiated the get-together and there were no lawyers on hand. The Yankees owe Rodriguez $61 million over the next three years. During the offseason, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he does not know what type of player the 39-year-old will be this year, so the club signed Chase Headley for four years and $52 million to play Rodriguez's position. Rodriguez has been working out and seeking hitting advice from Barry Bonds and Edgar Martinez, among others. - - - Oakland Athletics closer Sean Doolittle is expected to miss the start of the season because of a slight rotator cuff tear in his left shoulder. The All-Star reliever is not expected to need surgery. The A's have no timetable for Doolittle's return. Among the candidates to fill his closer role during spring training will be Tyler Clippard and setup specialist Ryan Cook. - - - The Chicago White Sox have hired former base-stealing star Vince Coleman as a base-running coach, the team announced. Coleman, who had 752 stolen bases during his 13-year career and led the National League in six seasons, will serve as a coach and consultant at the major-league and minor-league levels, general manager Rick Hahn said. - - - The Texas Rangers and designated hitter Mitch Moreland avoided arbitration after settling on a one-year, $2.95 million contract Friday. The deal includes a possible $25,000 in additional performance incentives. Moreland requested $3.35 million and the Rangers offered $2.75 million. He made $2.65 million last season. (Editing by Gene Cherry)