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?

Status: Dominating hitters since trade to Arizona
Basics: 4-2, 3.57 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 41 Ks in 45.1 IP
Key Stats: All 4 starts with the D-backs have been Quality Starts
What to Watch For: Same dominance over a larger sample size
Other Notes: Was a prized prospect in the White Sox’ organization, but got dealt as GM Kenny Williams sought an experienced starter (Edwin Jackson) for the playoff push … the National League West, by and large, is a light-hitting division with plenty of opportunities for favorable matchups … Hudson has walked just 4 hitters in 29.2 innings with Arizona, so he’s not beating himself … held his own against the NL’s most potent lineup in his last start, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings to take the loss
Verdict: Plenty of favorable matchups lie ahead; safe to deploy as a spot starter

The Colorado Rockies, according to the Denver Post, appear to be ready and willing to give utility man Eric Young Jr. everyday playing time. Young is a speedster who could both wake up the Rockies’ veteran lineup and create a spark for fantasy teams still in the hunt for league titles.

Young, a stolen base machine in the minors, held his own during a stint in Colorado earlier this season, then got recalled over the weekend. He’s made two straight starts — one at second base, one in left field — as the Rockies’ leadoff hitter and gone 2 for 9 with 2 runs and a stolen base. In 15 games this season, Young is hitting .244 with 5 steals (in 6 attempts), 5 walks and 4 strikeouts.

Other than runs, steals and multi-position eligibility, there may not be a whole lot else to like about Young in fantasy leagues, But, what else do you need? If Young can, indeed, claim an everyday job and continue to hit leadoff, he can add a nice boost to owners’ stolen base and runs scored totals.

Fantasy owners with needs in those two categories would be wise to take a flier on Young now.

In other National League news …

Despite the loss of Chipper Jones to a knee injury, the Atlanta Braves are unlikely to call up top first base prospect Freddie Freeman. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Despite a rough stretch, Chicago Cubs rookie outfielder Tyler Colvin stays confident. (Chicago Sun-Times)

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto got ejected for the fourth time in two seasons on Sunday. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

After missing time with a stiff back, Houston Astros closer Matt Lindstrom blew a save for the third time in four opportunities. (Houston Chronicle)

New Los Angeles Dodgers closers Hong-Chih Kuo and Octavio Dotel blew a 3-1 lead in a 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves last night. (Los Angeles Times)

Florida Marlins rookie outfielder Mike Stanton was named National League Player of the Week after going 14 for 24 with four home runs and eight RBIs in six games. (Miami Herald)

The Milwaukee Brewers are excited about the potential of rookie outfielder Lorenzo Cain. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Hisanori Takahashi got the first save opportunity for the New York Mets after post-Francisco Rodriguez’s torn thumb ligament. (New York Daily News)

Where did talks of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata’s power start? (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

San Diego Padres catching prospect Jason Hagerty is powering his way through the club’s minor league system. (San Diego Union Tribune)

San Francisco Giants outfielder Jose Guillen, acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals, will play nearly every day in right field while Aubrey Huff shifts to first base. (San Francisco Chronicle)

But, the trouble over the last two seasons has been, how often can fantasy owners truly count on Morneau to be in their lineups?

This season, Morneau is still suffering from the lingering effects of a concussion. He hasn’t played since July 7, and his return date from the injury is still unknown, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Last season, a lower back injury ended Morneau’s season prematurely and sunk his draft stock to its lowest level since winning the AL MVP award in 2006.

And while Morneau, who is hitting .345 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs in 81 games, clearly hadn’t been slowed by the back injury, he did suffer a fluke knee to the head that forced him out of the lineup.

There’s obviously no connection between Morneau’s injuries, but the question still must be asked: will Morneau play a 160-game season ever again? It’s an issue that will continue to plague Morneau and keep him off the list of fantasy’s elite players.

In other American League news …

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia returns to the lineup after seven weeks on the disabled list. (Boston Globe)

The Chicago White Sox’ bullpen is getting worn down, and it seems inevitable the club will put reliever Bobby Jenks on the disabled list. (Sun-Times)

Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz: “I don’t want to go back to the DL.”

The Detroit Tigers’ offseason trade with the Yankees is looking pretty good. (Detroit Free Press)

Tigers outfielder Johnny Damon might retire after the 2011 season. (Detroit News)

Struggling Los Angeles Angels infielder Brandon Wood met with manager Mike Scioscia behind closed doors last week. (Los Angeles Angels)

The New York Yankees’ bats are showing their age. (New York Post)

The Oakland A’s hope top prospect Chris Carter’s struggles don’t offer a glimpse into his future. (Oakland Tribune)

Seattle Mariners’ outfielder Milton Bradley will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and likely miss the rest of the season. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

Rookie pitcher Jeremy Hellickson’s performance merits a change-up in the Tampa Bay Rays’ rotation. (Tampa Tribune)

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista is swinging with style. (Toronto Star)

Status: Temporarily filling in for struggling Jonathan Broxton
Basics: 3-1, 0.88 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 4 SVs, 51 Ks in 41.0 IP
Key Stats: Has 1.97 ERA, 10.7 Ks per 9 since ‘08 season
What to Watch For: Indications from manager Joe Torre if/when Broxton is ready to return to closing duties
Other Notes: Has fast become one of fantasy’s most desirable middle relievers … has unhittable stuff, which results in consistent good marks in opponents’ batting average (.140 this season) and strikeouts per 9 (11.2) … Broxton is an All-Star reliever going through a rough patch, so it should be only a matter of time before Kuo returns to an eighth-inning role … gave up 2 earned runs in 0.1 innings in his first appearance of the year, then 2 earned runs in the next 40.1 innings combined
Verdict: Saves are just icing on the cake; worth an add in all formats

Check out who else made the cut.

1. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, DET: Re-dedicated in the winter, blossomed into MLB’s best hitter
2. Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX: One problem with total package of skills; streaky with HRs
3. Carl Crawford, OF, TB: Only player in baseball with 10+ HRs, 50+ RBIs, 25+ SBs
4. Robinson Cano, 2B, NYY: Uptick in flyball rate has fueled surefire career-high in HRs
5. Jose Bautista, 3B, TOR: Frontrunner for fantasy MVP honors with MLB-best 35 HRs
6. Alex Rios, OF, CHW: Well-rounded, but struggling; has 1 HR, 1 SB in last 20 games
7. Adrian Beltre, 3B, BOS: Among top 3B in hits (1st), AVG (1st), HRs (3rd), RBIs (3rd)
8. Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY: In midst of usual 2nd half surge; also leads MLB with 83 runs
9. Paul Konerko, 1B, CHW: Quietly on pace for career-high OPS, 3rd 40-HR season
10. Evan Longoria, 3B, TB: 5-category contributions are overshadowed by lowly HR total

Jonathan Broxton is in the midst of an unsettling season. Jonathan Papelbon’s strikeout and walk rates are heading in the wrong direction. Joakim Soria pitches for a cellar dweller. Rafael Soriano’s health can never be trusted. Heath Bell puts too many runners on base. Carlos Marmol has more walks than any other closer in baseball. And so on.

Meanwhile, Rivera keeps churning out off-the-charts ratios and competitive saves totals. And now, as the season winds down, he historically gets even better. He’s the most trustworthy stopper in baseball, fantasy or reality, which makes him the rightful No. 1 closer in fantasy. Here’s how the rest of the rankings shake out.
** Statistics through Aug. 9 games

1. Mariano Rivera, NYY: Even at age 40, Rivera whips up elite SVs and ratios
2. Jonathan Broxton, LAD: When he’s right, offers brilliant mix of Ks, Ws, SVs, ratios
3. Jonathan Papelbon, BOS: Returning to old form with 0.59 ERA in last 16 appearances
4. Joakim Soria, KC: Still in KC after deadline, racking up SVs for AL’s worst team
5. Rafael Soriano, TB: When healthy, is ratio specialist with huge SVs potential
6. Heath Bell, SD: Blue collar closer is averaging career-best 11.6 Ks per 9
7. Carlos Marmol, CHC: Combustible, but electric; leads closers with 95 Ks, 36 BBs
8. Billy Wagner, ATL: Has been so-so after the AS break with 3.18 ERA, 3 blown SVs
9. Brian Wilson, SF: Simple ’see it, hit it’ approach has yielded MLB-best 32 SVs
10. Francisco Rodriguez, NYM: Bouncing back this season by keeping BBs in check

11. Neftali Feliz, TEX: Future may be as starter, but has been revelation as a closer
12. Brian Fuentes, LAA: Surging after dismal start; has 0.53 ERA since June 20
13. Matt Capps, MIN: So far, so good in MIN; 1.80 ERA, 2 SVs in 5 appearances
14. Jose Valverde, DET: Struggling big-time with illness, 9.90 ERA since AS break
15. Huston Street, COL: Rough August with 14.73 ERA, blown SV in 4 appearances
16. David Aardsma, SEA: Trending up; has lowered ERA from 5.60 to 4.34 since July 8
17. Francisco Cordero, CIN: WHIP, always a liability, is at highest level since ‘00 season
18. Ryan Franklin, STL: Nice run as closer, but prolonged slump could lead to quick ax
19. Chris Perez, CLE: Finally emerges as solid closer with 8 SVs in last 9 chances
20. Brad Lidge, PHI: With age, injury questions, is forced to pitch with more guile

21. Andrew Bailey, OAK: Making progress from oblique injury; should return soon
22. Leo Nunez, FLA: 9th-inning adventures don’t sit well with manager Edwin Rodriguez
23. John Axford, MIL: Getting robbed of opps until Hoffman locks down save No. 600
24. Kevin Gregg, TOR: Seldom pretty, but has managed 4th straight 20-SV season
25. Matt Lindstrom, HOU: Hittable, but has worked around baserunners for 3.19 ERA
26. Drew Storen, WAS: Wait and see if results match hype; logged 1st SV on Friday
27. Bobby Jenks, CHW: On shaky ground with back injury, heavy competition for job
28. Aaron Heilman, ARZ: Closers don’t get less sexy than this, but hey, saves are saves
29. Alfredo Simon, BAL: Could, and should, be headed for demotion or time share
30. Joel Hanrahan, PIT: Brilliant as a set-up man, has tanked as Bucs’ closer

Status: Expected to make his 2nd MLB start tonight
Basics: 12-3, 2.45 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 123 Ks in 117.2 IP at Triple-A Durham
Key Stats: Has a 49-16 record and a rate of 9.8 Ks per 9 in his minor league career
What to Watch For: A firm spot in the Rays’ rotation
Other Notes: Should get a long look in the majors with both Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann landing on the DL with shoulder injuries … has plus command and a three-pitch arsenal that includes a lively fastball and plus changeup, according to MiLB.com …. has thoroughly dominated the minors on all statistical levels and is one of the game’s top pitching prospects … immense talent and impeccable results suggest Hellickson will make an immediate impact in fantasy
Verdict: Worth an add for upside chasers in any and all league formats

Status: Making his highly anticipated MLB debut
Basics: .262 AVG, 27 HRs, 89 RBIs, 84 runs in 113 games at Triple-A
Key Stats: Had 145 HRs, 676 Ks in 661 minor league games
What to Watch For: Contact rate, how it impacts batting average
Other Notes: The A’s have the second-fewest HRs in baseball, so Carter’s power bat is sorely needed … the bulk of his time will come in left field, but he can also spell Daric Barton at first … should play nearly every day … has steadily developed a better eye at the plate, raising his walk rate each season in the minors … there is some linkage between Carter’s game and that of Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard … Howard drew the same criticism after averaging 1 HR per 19.4 ABs and 1 K per 3.7 ABs in 6 minor league seasons … Carter averaged 1 HR per 20.0 ABs and 1 K per 4.3 ABs, also in 6 minor league seasons
Verdict: Grab him in nearly all formats and have reasonable expectations for a late-summer home run binge

The speedy Boston Red Sox outfielder has dealt with a rib injury for nearly the entire season, a nagging wound suffered on April 11 that didn’t get a correct diagnosis immediately, according to ESPNBoston.com.

So, nearly 100 games later, Ellsbury is still trying to make an impact, both for the Red Sox and the many fantasy owners who made a sizable invest in him. For the first time this season, Ellsbury, batting ninth in the order against the Yankees, did just that.

He went 1-for-2 with a walk, hit-by-pitch and four stolen bases, ‘upping’ his season average to .194 and tripling his season stolen base total, from 2 to 6.

It was a good first step for fantasy owners patiently waiting on Ellsbury, as well as a reminder of the difference a healthy Ellsbury can make down the stretch. The reigning Major League steals leader is a prime candidate to rack up huge totals in the next two months, which could be worth plenty of points in rotisserie and head-to-head leagues.

The next steps will be a.) Ellsbury reaching the mendoza line, and b.) replacing the uninspiring Marco Scutaro as the team’s leadoff hitter. Both of those could, and should, be just around the corner, assuming no flare-ups in Ellsbury’s four fractured ribs.

Status: Coming off near no-hitter, first career shutout
Basics: 9-6, 4.45 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 151 Ks in 127.1 IP
Key Stats: Leads the majors with 10.7 Ks per 9 innings
What to Watch For: Consistency, ability to work deeper into starts
Other Notes: Has shown glimpses of brilliance, both this season and throughout his career … his issues this season have stemmed from inefficiency and a high walk rate, but has made progress, even before Sunday’s masterpiece … is 4-0 in his last four starts and has a 67:16 K-to-BB ratio over his last eight starts (51.1 innings) … has worked 6+ innings in 10 of his last 12 starts, compared to four times in his first 10 starts
Verdict: Take notice of his latest performance, but add based on steady improvement throughout the season