You get the impression that Arizona Diamondbacks Daniel Hudson has been ready for an extended big league audition for some time now. The July trade deadline provided just the opportunity the touted prospect needed as he was shipped to Arizona in a deal for veteran starter Edwin Jackson.

Hudson’s results (3-1 record, 2.12 ERA) have been spectacular in his first four starts, but can he maintain a pace worthy enough of a roster spot in fantasy leagues? Read more »

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton has struggled of late, prompting manager Joe Torre to give him a break from high-leverage situations. His choice to spell Broxton? Left-hander Hong Chih Kuo, who has been lights-out in a setup role. Kuo will add saves to an already-impressive fantasy game, but when will Broxton return to closing duties? Read more »

After dominating the Minnesota Twins in his first career start, Tampa Bay Rays pitching phenom Jeremy ‘Hellboy’ Hellickson gets another chance to pitch on the big stage. He’s done it all in the minor leagues with an extraordinary amount of success, now has the opportunity to claim a permanent big league roster spot with Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann both on the disabled list. His audition begins tonight with a start in Detroit. Read more »

We make the obvious choice today after Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Brandon Morrow mowed down the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday. Morrow has had a nice year for the Jays, finally getting the stability of a firm role on the team’s pitching staff. The results are beginning to show for Morrow, 26, whose second-half improvement was culminated by Sunday’s 17-strikeout performance. Read more »

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Travis Snider is back and, we’re guessing, better than ever.

Snider, 21, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a wrist injury in mid-May, then spent 20 games in obscurity at Double-A New Hampshire. He performed in the minors, but disappeared for long enough to become a forgotten man in fantasy. Read more »

The Chicago Cubs fell out of playoff contention early in the 2010 season, and rookie outfielder Tyler Colvin reaped all the benefits. As the Cubs kept losing and Colvin kept hitting, manager Lou Piniella had no choice but to insert him in the starting lineup and give him the keys to the Cubs offense.

Now, Colvin’s stock is on the rise and he’s leaving few doubts about his bright fantasy future. The question is, is the future now? Read more »

Houston Astros third baseman Chris Johnson is tearing the cover off the ball, and you came here to find out if he’s for real. Am I right? Well, I don’t want to burst your bubble, but I see this hot streak coming to a sudden halt very, very soon. Why, you ask? Read on to find out. Read more »

Minnesota Twins third baseman Danny Valencia is a new name to the fantasy community as a decent, not elite, prospect in the Twins’ organization. Fantasy owners have taken notice with Valencia in the midst of an eight-game hitting streak. The 25-year-old has a .388 average, but the question persists, will Valencia ever contribute anything more than a quality batting average? Read more »

First baseman Daric Barton has been a pleasant story for the overachieving Oakland A’s this season. He’s walked eight times to just one strikeout and driven in seven runs in seven games. But in fantasy, does Barton’s extreme lack of power at the game’s most powerful position but negate his positives? Read more »

Detroit Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson is holding his own in the early part of the 2010 season. He’s still got questions to answer when it comes to making contact and flashing some roto skills, but his opening week should be considered a success. Where does the rookie go from here? Read more »