Fantasy Baseball Hit and Run – October 28

Not going anywhere for a while? Settle in for game 7 with the lastest fantasy baseball news. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)

Here’s today’s edition of the Fantasy Baseball Hit and Run on the day of the biggest game of the baseball season. It doesn’t get any better than game 7 of the World Series. Even if you aren’t a Rangers or Cardinals fan game 6 was nothing short of epic, full of twists and turns in every storyline. Here’s some fantasy baseball notes to read during LaRussa’s 8 pitching changes for the Cards (hey he wants to make sure his call goes through correctly) and pitching coach Mike Maddux’s 6 trips to the mound for the Rangers. Let’s be honest, if game 6 is any indication it could take a while before this one gets sorted out….

The Hit and Run is designed to be a weekly update on the news in the world of baseball both real and fantasy. The setup is fairly simple. The news is given “quick-hit” style with links to the full story if you want more info; then I’ll be off with the pitch and give you the run-down analysis of how I think it affects the teams involved and the value of the players from a fantasy perspective. So here’s the pitch, with the runner going…

Hit: Cardinals come from behind again, and again, and again, and again…

Run: Cards-Rangers is a surprisingly intriguing series with more plots than we’ll break down here since this is primarily a fantasy-based site. As a fan of baseball though it’s been lots of fun to watch, and congratulations to whoever comes out with the game 7 win.

Hit: Theo finds a new home. Chicago Tribune

Run: Let the housecleaning begin. The rebuilding and remodeling of Theo’s new Wrigley home will take years through player development but expect a new-look Cubs team next year. It looks like that will include a new manager (Ryne Sandberg?) and probably some mid-level free agents. My guess is that Epstein moves some pieces in a trade or two and signs some decent (but not top-shelf) free agents and that next year’s Cubs have more fresh faces than returners.

Hit: Hey new guy, find the new guy. Boston.com

Run: Theo’s old stomping grounds are now run by his old sidekick as Ben Cherington steps into the GM roll with the Red Sox. It’s impossible to predict with surety what Ben will do but it would appear from his background that the continued and increased emphasis will be young players and not as many Lugo’s and Lackey’s (high-priced free agents from elsewhere). The first order of business though has to be to find the right manager. While John Farrell would seem to be the first choice of all the Boston fans I know, they also admit that it appears he’s a longshot (Toronto’s blocking it pretty hardcore) and it will probably one of a host of other names that have been floated out there over the past few weeks. It will be an incredibly important hire for Cherington and for all the Red Sox players both in real life and fantasy baseball so come back weekly to see who lands Tito’s old seat in the dugout.

Hit: Toronto interested in Ortiz? Baseball Nation

Run: He’d be a good fit and has always played well in Toronto, but I think Cherington will keep the icon in Boston and Papi will retire with the Red Sox.

Hit: Giants, Yankees, Red Sox all expected to be in on Carlos Beltran. SI.com

Run: No matter where he ends up Beltran will get another big payday with those suitors in on the deal. My guess is the Giants keep him, but if he comes to NY or BOS his run scoring and RBI totals could jump significantly. Where he goes will have a huge impact on his value for next season so stay tuned…

Hit: Nationals, Marlins, and Royals are likely to pursue CJ Wilson. NY Post 

Run: While the big market teams will lead the pack there will be plenty of teams in on Wilson. It’ll be interesting to see how much his World Series woes hurt his value. He’ll be a top starter worth drafting regardless of where he ends up. Exactly where he ranks will be dependent on the situation he lands in.

Hit: Lackey to have Tommy John surgery and is out for 2012. Yahoo

Run: Not that you would have drafted him anyways, but at least that may be an explanation for his miserable 2011.

Hit: Phillies decline options on Oswalt and Lidge. Philadelphia Inquirer

Run: Both could come back but at much cheaper rates. Oswalt will get a lot of interest but would seem best served to stay in the NL. My guess is he ends up in the NL West either with the Dodgers, Giants, or even the DBacks.

Hit: Red Sox probably to pick up Scutaro’s option. Boston Herald

Run: Scutaro got hot in September and while he’s a very streaky hitter, when he’s rolling can be a useful option even in mixed leagues. He may be challenged for his starting job but if he’s in the lineup every day he’s a borderline mixed league middle infielder and definitely a good source of R, RBI, and AVG in AL only leagues.

Hit: Thome wants to play another year. AP

Run: Watch where he lands. If he’s even a part time DH in AL only leagues he’ll help you with homers and RBI’s without hurting your average.

Tags: baseball news, Cubs, Fantasy Baseball, Prince Fielder, Red Sox, world series