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Clear your schedule for the next two weeks, because the 2013 World Series is right around the corner. 

The annual Fall Classic begins Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. on FOX.

The St. Louis Cardinals will be representing the National League after their 4-2 NLCS win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

St. Louis blasted the Dodgers in Friday’s decisive Game 6, winning 9-0 at home. The Cardinals lit up Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, scoring seven runs in just four innings against the man with the NL’s best ERA this season. 

In the American League, the Boston Red Sox will look to join the Cardinals by eliminating the Detroit Tigers Saturday night at Fenway Park.

After a back-and-forth start to the series, Boston took a commanding 3-2 lead with its Game 5 victory on Thursday. Behind a monster performance from Mike Napoli (3-4, 1 HR, 2 R), the Red Sox escaped Detroit with the pivotal win. 

Now, they will look to close out the Tigers at home. If Detroit wins, the two teams will face off again Sunday night in an epic Game 7 (FOX, 8 p.m. ET). 

Regardless of who represents the American League, the dates and times for each World Series game are already set.

Here is the essential viewing info you need for the 2013 Fall Classic. 

As always, check back in to Bleacher Report for all the latest news and updates about the 2013 MLB postseason. 

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Justin Upton is front and center on the trading block, and there are multiple teams interested in the two-time All-Star.

Atlanta, Baltimore, San Diego, Tampa Bay and Texas have all been linked to potential Upton deals (h/t Scott Miller, CBS Sports). The Mets could also get involved again, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Seattle was in the mix, but Upton rejected a trade with the Mariners, who are one of four teams on his no-trade list. The others are Boston, Toronto and the Chicago Cubs.

That’s unfortunate for them, as the 2011 Silver Slugger is one of the best hitters in baseball. Every team could use a hitter like Upton. But of the teams that are interested, the following three need his services the most.

New York Mets

The Mets originally found the Diamondbacks asking price to be too high, but Heyman said they would be “happy to re-engage” in talks with Arizona. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as New York’s other team had one of the worst offenses in baseball last season.

The Mets finished 25th in runs (650) and 23rd in OPS (.701). Their team batting average was just .249, and their inability to produce runs led to them to a fourth-place finish in the NL East.

Upton may be pricey, but he would also be a major upgrade over Mike Baxter. The Mets should at least continue to negotiate with Arizona.

San Diego Padres

The Padres are another NL team in desperate need of offense.  

San Diego’s lineup disappointed in 2012, finishing 23rd in runs (651), 22nd in batting average (.247) and 26th in slugging percentage (.380). With their offense sputtering, the Padres were able to win just 76 games.

They’ve already discussed trading Chase Headley to Arizona for Upton (h/t Ken Rosenthal, FOX Sports), so the Padres are interested. It would hurt to lose a quality player like Headley, but the younger Upton could be a better option for the team going forward.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays won 90 games last year, but their offense didn’t contribute as much as you’d think.

Seattle and Oakland were the only AL teams to post a worse batting average than Tampa Bay (.240), and the Rays finished 18th in runs (697) and 20th in slugging percentage (.394) among all MLB teams.

They could definitely use an upgrade over Matt Joyce, who hit just .241 in 2012. Upton, who hit .280 with 17 home runs, would immediately improve the Rays’ offense.

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Free agent Nick Swisher is drawing plenty of interest this offseason, which should come as no surprise given his consistent productivity.

The 32-year-old outfielder has hit 20 or more home runs in each of the last eight seasons, and he’s played in at least 131 games per year over that span. In 2012, he hit .272 from the plate with 24 homers and 93 RBI while also posting the third-highest slugging percentage (.467) of his career.

Given his durability and versatility—the switch-hitter played 41 games at first base last season—Swisher is one of the most sought after free agents this winter.

According to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston, the Red Sox, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants are all in the running for Swisher’s services.

While all four teams would provide various benefits, some situations would certainly be better for Swisher than others. Here’s how I would rank his top options.

3. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox turned their attention to Swisher after whiffing on Josh Hamilton. If Swisher is smart, he will follow Hamilton’s lead and avoid the mess at Fenway.

While the Red Sox are usually an AL East powerhouse, they were terrible in 2012, winning just 69 games. They finished last in the division, and with the Toronto Blue Jays adding several major pieces this offseason, it looks like the Red Sox will be on the bottom of the AL East standings once again.

Boston also only seems interested in offering short-term contracts. Since Swisher is reportedly looking for a five- or six-year deal, he should take his talents elsewhere.

2. Cleveland Indians

Swisher played his college ball at Ohio State, and the Indians are pulling out all the stops in an attempt to bring him back to Ohio.

According to Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, former Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel met with Swisher for lunch on Tuesday.

Jim Tressel went to lunch with Nick Swisher to help recruit him for #Indians

— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) December 18, 2012

While Cleveland gets points for creativity, it also makes sense for Swisher baseball-wise. It has a gaping hole in its outfield after trading away Shin Soo-Choo, and Swisher would be an excellent fit in its lineup.

The Indians need Swisher more than any other team, so they would likely be most willing to accommodate his contract requests. They also have the advantage of playing in the AL Central, where the balance of power shifts on a very regular basis.

If Swisher heads to Cleveland, they will be just another move or two away from playoff contention.

1. New York Yankees

Personally, I think Swisher’s best option is to return to the Yankees.

He’s already won a World Series with the club (2009), and they are a threat to take home the title every year. He’s also proven he can handle the pressures of New York, hitting at least .249 with 23 or more homers in each of his seasons with the Bronx Bombers.

Although they flamed out in the 2012 playoffs, the Yankees give Swisher the best chance to win multiple rings. They also shouldn’t have any trouble meeting his salary requests, since the Yankees are never afraid to sacrifice money for wins.

I wouldn’t blame him for heading to Cleveland, but if I was Nick Swisher, I’d return to New York next season.

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With the Texas Rangers reportedly not interested in trading for Josh Beckett (h/t Rob Bradford, weei.com), the Boston Red Sox should just hold on to the 32-year-old right-hander.

The Rangers, with their exceptionally deep and talented prospect pool, would have been an ideal trading partner for the Red Sox, who are currently in last place in the AL East. But with Texas turning their attention elsewhere, Boston might as well keep the three-time All-Star.

Even though it’s a down year for the Red Sox, they’re always one strong offseason away from returning to prominence. If they want to make more of an impact next season, they’d be smart to keep Beckett, rather than ditching a key member of their rotation just for the sake of making a move.

Sure, Beckett enraged Boston fans with his recent chicken, beer and golf escapades. And yes, his current 4.57 ERA isn’t exactly ideal. Still, let’s not forget that just one season ago he went 13-7 while posting a 2.89 ERA and striking out 175 batters.

Beckett still has plenty of quality innings left in him, and he’s too good to be included in a deal that wouldn’t bring back some major assets. The Red Sox should keep him on the roster, add to their rotation in the offseason, and look to make a strong playoff push in the 2013 season.

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The New York Yankees have been linked to San Diego Padres third-baseman Chase Headley (h/t Ken Rosenthal, FOX Sports), but the 28-year-old would be an unnecessary addition to the Bronx Bombers.

Even though Alex Rodriguez will be out for up to eight weeks with a broken hand, the Yankees don’t need to splurge on an over-priced replacement like Headley.

Headley is a quality player who is having a career-year at the plate, and manager Joe Girardi could put him at multiple positions in the field.

However, according to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Padres are looking for a package similar to what they got for Mat Latos last season. In that deal, San Diego brought in three quality prospects (Yonder Alonso, Brad Boxberger, Yasmani Grandal) and Edinson Volquez, their top starting pitcher. 

If they’re asking that much for Headley—and all indications are suggesting that they are—then the Yankees should hang up the phone.

Headley is a better player than the Yankees’ in-house replacements for A-Rod (Eric Chavez and Jayson Nix), but he’s not worth the Padres’ asking price. And when you consider that Rodriguez should be back by September 18—which would give him at least 15 games to shake off the rust before the playoffs—this rumored deal becomes even more unnecessary.

The Yankees still have an 8.5-game lead in the AL East, so it’s not like they’re fighting to make the playoffs. They should just sit tight, play Chavez while A-Rod heals, and hold onto their assets for future endeavors.

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With Zack Greinke—the top prize on the market—heading to their AL West rivals, the Texas Rangers have turned their attention to Miami Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson (h/t Bob Nightengale, USA Today).

Unfortunately, the Marlins are clearly delusional about Johnson’s value. According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, the Marlins’ asking price for the 28-year-old right-hander is ridiculously high.

Sources say the #Marlins are asking for each team’s top 2 or 3 prospects in every trade scenario involving Josh Johnson.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 27, 2012

We’re talking Jurickson Profar-Travis D’Arnaud types just to get talks moving, then a lot more beyond that. #marlins

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 27, 2012

Like I said, ridiculously high. Although the Rangers need an ace, if their executives are smart (and I believe they are), they will promptly tell the Marlins front office to go clone themselves.

Johnson is a talented pitcher, but he’s certainly not worth that price, regardless of how desperate the Rangers may be feeling now. 

Johnson is as injury-prone as they come, as he always seems to be battling some sort of health issue. He’s only started 30-plus games once in his seven-year career, and he’s pitched more than 150 innings just three times.

His production away from the friendly confines of Sun Life Stadium is also concerning. Johnson has a 3.35 ERA at home this season, but his road ERA is a paltry 5.48—not exactly ace material.

Sure, the Rangers’ pitching staff now pales in comparison to the Angels‘, but Texas still has the most feared lineup in baseball, a four-game lead in the AL West and, with prospects like Jurickson Profar in their farm system, a very bright future.

They can’t afford to sacrifice that in some ill-conceived attempt at matching the Angels’ move.

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In the sporting world, we often exaggerate ultimately meaningless moments with lofty words like “redemption.”

The Boston Celtics win back-to-back games at home to tie the Eastern Conference Finals? That’s not redemption. Albert Pujols smashes a home run to break out of a slump? That’s not redemption. Tiger Woods wins the 2012 Memorial Championship after months of struggling? That’s not redemption.

No, true redemption, true salvation from almost unimaginable hardships, can only be found in stories like that of Brian Banks, the former California prep football star who lost 10 years of his life after being wrongfully convicted of rape.

In 2002, Banks was accused and convicted of raping a classmate. In 2012, the now-26-year-old Banks has been exonerated, according to USA Today.

In between, he served five years in prison. He spent five more with a court-ordered tracking device around his ankle. He had to register as a sex offender, live through the humiliation of being denied job after job, and stay with family members because he couldn’t afford his own place.

Now, Banks, with his chin up and his mind clear, is receiving offers from NFL teams who are interested in the same talent that had University of Southern California coaches drooling back in 2002.

According to Rick Reilly on ESPN.com, the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs have all contacted Banks about working out for them. But they’re not the only ones who’ve reached out.

As odd is it may seem, the Arizona Diamondbacks have contacted Banks as well, inquiring about possibly hiring him in a front office situation.

Banks’ specific position with the organization (should he accept it) is unclear, and Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall wants to see the young man pursue his football dreams first. But if there’s not a place for Banks on an NFL roster, Hall and the Diamondbacks would be more than willing to welcome Banks to their family.

Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com has the quotes from Hall.

“I just thought, ‘This guy needs a fresh start,’” Hall said.

“I saw a very bright, articulate, handsome kid. Great smile. You see a lot of maturity. You see a kid who has been through adversity and can handle it. He’s lost 10 years of his life, and it’s time for some good things to happen to him.”

“Someone like that … he deserves a break,” Hall said. “He got one, and he deserves a career.

“He has to chase his (NFL) dream first. If he comes back to me and says, ‘That didn’t work out, are you still willing to have me come out?’ Absolutely, we are.”

This is a truly remarkable development, and I’d like to applaud Hall and the Diamondbacks for their compassionate decision.

There will be some skeptics out there, but I think the Diamondbacks extended this offer from the bottom of their hearts, rather than in some ill-conceived attempt at gaining positive PR.

It was a caring, benevolent move, and it shows that although the 24-hour news cycle often highlights the negative aspects of sports, there are some truly classy people in the far-reaching athletic family.

Banks’ story of redemption—true redemption—and the Diamondbacks’ subsequent job offer are the kinds of things that transcend sports.

If you’ve got a moment today, hit up Banks and Hall on Twitter and let them know that you appreciate them. Not for their athletic or executive achievements, but for being genuinely great people in a world that often seems devoid of good.

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The future of baseball has arrived.

With the Saturday debuts of highly touted prospects Bryce Harper and Mike Trout, both the American League and National League are entering a new era.

Obviously it’s tough to put such lofty expectations on 19- and 20-year-old kids, but these are legitimately two of the best prospects in the last decade.

Both are also charged with somewhat daunting tasks in 2012. Harper must keep the upstart Washington Nationals rolling, while Trout needs to provide a spark for the Anaheim Angels, who have limped out of the gate.

With their immense talent level, both are capable of pulling off the feats. But how do the two wonder boys stack up against each other? Let’s examine.

Hitting

The two bring different things to the plate, as Harper is a strong power hitter, while Trout torches pitchers by consistently knocking base hits.

This season, Harper has struggled a little in Triple-A, hitting just .250 with a home run and 3 RBI in 20 games. Last year, however, he was dominant in Single- and Double-A, cranking 17 homers and driving in 58 runs while hitting .297 in 109 games. 

So far this year, Trout has lived up to all the expectations. In 20 Triple-A games, he has hit .403 with one home run and 13 RBI.

Fielding

Harper has had to make plenty of adjustments in the field the last few years. After playing catcher his entire career, he’s played all three outfield positions since joining the Nationals organization.

Trout, meanwhile, is a pure outfielder. He should have no trouble making the transition from the minors to the pros, at least as far as fielding is concerned.

Intangibles

Both guys are very confident, a trait you love to see from a young prospect.

Torii Hunter recently bestowed some major praise upon Trout, touting his heart and fearless nature.

Harper is also well known for his unflappable demeanor. His mental toughness is very advanced for his age, and he practically oozes confidence at the plate. He was also on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a 16-year-old, so I doubt he will ever be phased by the spotlight. 

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The sun is shining and the birds are chirping, which of course means it’s time to sit on our computers and play fantasy baseball.

If you haven’t had your draft yet, you’ve come to the right place. With Opening Day less than one week away, now is the time to build your foundation for the summer.

We all know that stars can propel your team to the title, but which one should you select with your first pick? Just scroll down to find out.

1. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers

With Albert Pujols’ numbers declining, Cabrera is the best option for the first overall pick.

He won’t be stealing many bases (2 SB last year), but he’s going to produce some monster power numbers. Last season he drove in 105 runs, hit 30 homers and and posted a ridiculous .448 on-base percentage.

You can expect similar numbers from him in 2012.

2. Albert Pujols, 1B, Anaheim Angels

Although his numbers have been dropping off, Pujols isn’t going anywhere. He’s still the most dangerous slugger in the game, and judging by his career interleague numbers (.348 with 39 homers in 541 at-bats), he shouldn’t have any problem adjusting to the American League.

3. Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

After winning his suspension appeal, Braun should be one of the first three players taken in any draft. Last year he went for 33 home runs and 33 stolen bases while hitting .330.

If he has similar success this season, he could easily be the MVP of fantasy baseball.

4. Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2011, Kemp became just the third player in history to steal at least 35 bases and hit 35 home runs while batting .320 or better.

I think his numbers will drop a little this year, but he’s still a great pickup in the top five.

5. Jose Bautista, 3B/OF, Toronto Blue Jays

Bautista cranked 43 home runs in 2011, while also driving in 103 runs and posting a solid .302 batting average. However, his post-All-Star Game slump (.257, 12 HRs) is a bit concerning.

6. Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees

Cano is unquestionably the best second-baseman in fantasy baseball. He’s already batted better than .300 in five seasons, while hitting 25-plus homers three times. Expect more big numbers, as he’s just now entering his prime.

7. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Colorado Rockies

Tulowitzki is pretty injury-prone, but he’s still the best option at shortstop. You can expect another 30-home run season from him in 2012.

8. Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

I wouldn’t be surprised if the 24-year-old Upton is the best player in fantasy this season. Last year he hit 31 home runs and stole 21 bases. Look for him to improve on both numbers this season.

9. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Boston Red Sox

I wouldn’t expect Ellsbury to hit 32 home runs again, but he’s guaranteed to steal at least 30 bases and hit in the .300-.320 range.

10. Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

Votto is one of the most well-rounded hitters in baseball, and with the hitter-friendly stadium in Cincinnati, he should put up strong numbers in 2012. He’s definitely worth a top 10 pick.

11. Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

This is a bit of a reach for a pitcher, but I think Halladay’s worth it. Last season, he set a career high in strikeouts per nine innings (8.47) and posted a 2.35 ERA.

You can expect him to continue his dominance this year.

12. Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays

His batting average dropped last year (.244), but his power was excellent (31 HRs). If he can bring his average up this season, Longoria will be one of top 10 or 12 players in fantasy.

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One of my main rules for fantasy baseball is quite simple: be wary of young players.

I’m of the belief that you should almost always take established veterans with your early picks. However, every year a few youngsters go on a tear, proving to be just as valuable as the vets at the top of the fantasy rankings.

So which young studs should you pick up this season? Just scroll down and find out.

Justin Upton

I think this is the year the 24-year-old Upton wins his first NL MVP award.

Last year, he cranked 31 homers and drove in 88 runs. He also stole 21 bases and posted career highs in contact rate (78.7 percent), OPS versus right-handed pitchers (.889) and on-base percentage (.369). 

Upton is definitely worth a top-10 pick this season. Snag him early and let him lead your team to fantasy glory. 

Clayton Kershaw

Like Upton, Kershaw won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season.

He’s still just 24-years-old, but as the 2011 Cy Young award winner proved last year, his youth isn’t exactly a problem.

He got more control of his command last year, which greatly improved his efficiency. He only averaged 2.08 walks per nine innings, which was 19th best among starting pitchers. The lefty also struck out 248 batters and posted a 2.28 ERA, while winning 21 games.

I wouldn’t select him ahead of Roy Halladay or Justin Verlander, but Kershaw would be a steal in the 15-20 range of your draft.

Starlin Castro

I’m expecting Castro to be one of the breakout fantasy stars of 2012.

Last season, he hit .307 while posting a .341 on-base percentage and an OPS of .773. He also drove in 66 runs and racked up 207 hits. Only Alex Rodriguez has more hits in a season at such a young age.

If he improves his power a little, the 22-year-old will be one of the best shortstops in the league. Don’t be surprised if he surpasses guys like Jimmy Rollins and Jose Reyes in terms of fantasy production this season.

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