Tim Hudson struck out a career high 13 yesterday against the Marlins, and just continues to add to the amazing season he's having. He lowered his ERA to 2.24, and has really come through for his owners. His FIP tells me there should be some regression, but with just over a month to go, it may not be coming.
Brandon Morrow had another nice start yesterday against the Tigers, going 6 innings and striking out 9 while allowing just 1 earned run. In August, he now has 40 strikeouts and a 3.33 ERA in 24 1/3 innings, and I'm wondering if we're finally seeing the potential of Morrow come to the field.
Brian Fuentes recorded his 24th save of the season yesterday, but I wouldn't put a lot of stock into it. He came on to face a left handed batter (Russell Branyan), and I have to imagine that manager Ron Gardenhire said it best when Fuentes was acquired that he'll be used in setup roles. If he gets the next save opportunity, then I'd grab him.
Paul Konerko hit his 32nd home run of the season yesterday against the Yankees, and I didn't really realize just how good of a season he has had. He's hitting .319 to go with the 32 homers and now has 92 runs batted in as well. I don't know if I believe he will repeat this next season, but he's probably going to be in my top 15 for first baseman.
Adam Dunn hit his 32nd homer of the season as well, and drove in 5 runs in the victory over the Cardinals. He's likely to be a free agent this offseason, and I think that regardless of where he goes, he's very likely to repeat the performance he's shown this season (and the last 5 or 6 for that matter).
Jose Tabata went 3 for 6 with his 4th home run of the season last night against the Brewers. He's now hitting .319 and also has 14 stolen bases in 69 games this season. I think that his numbers over a full season could actually be very similar to Andrew McCutchen, and could post a 15-40 season fairly easily soon.
Carlos Lee hit his 19th home run of the season, but the thing that stood out to me was the fact that it was his 5th game at 1B this season. I'm not sure if it changes his value any, but it could be something to watch long-term.
Victor Martinez followed up his 2 homer game on Friday with a 4 hit game on Saturday. He has gotten his batting average up to .292, and will most likely be a free agent at the end of the season. It probably won't impact him for 2011, but I could very well see a team sign him and take him out from behind the plate permanently.
Ray wrote about Jhoulys Chacin yesterday, and he decided to have another good start as a result (if only it were that easy). He went 7 innings, striking out 7 and allowing 1 earned run. The 4 walks he allowed (only 1 intentional) is a bit concerning, but I'd go grab him if you need strikeouts for the final push.
I'm really wondering if the Diamondbacks waited to call about Daniel Hudson until they were half-asleep, because he's been a steal for them and his owners ever since. He went 7 innings, striking out 6 and allowing 2 earned runs en route to his 4th win already since the trade. If he is still available, go grab him.