Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

• Atomic Roadrunners acquires Lastings Milledge ($9/1 year)

• Cover Zero acquires Steve Pearce ($1/1 year)

The Sports Xchange notes, Pirates RF Steve Pearce has been a disappointment since being called up on July 26 when Xavier Nady was sent to the New York Yankees as part of a six-player trade, hitting .208 with five RBI in 15 games. Most disappointing is that Pearce has yet to hit a home run in 116 major-league at bats over the past two seasons after going deep 34 times in the minor leagues in 2007. Pirates’ manager John Russell said he first wants Pearce to get untracked at the plate before worrying about hitting for power. Hitting for power? Pearce should try hitting period. Still, he’s starting every day for the struggling Pirates. Consider him a sleeper in deeper formats, especially NL-only and long-term keeper leagues. (CBS Sports)

OF Lastings Milledge continues to perform well for the Nationals even when his team is struggling. Milledge has hit safely in 16 of his past 18 games, going 26-for-71 (.366) with five homers, 11 RBI and nine extra-base hits. His season average is up to .261. Milledge is having a nice second half, finally proving to be the elite talent he is. Consider him someone to trust in all deeper leagues now, especially Rotisserie formats. (CBS Sports)

Analysis: With the trading deadline just hours away, the Atomic Roadrunners accepted the trade offer from Cover Zero. There is no question that Milledge is hitting better than Pearce right now, and it’s probable that Milledge will shine for the rest of the season (even though he’s a National). The deal came down to years. Milledge is a free agent in the WBRL after this season, and Pearce is protectable for two more years at $1. However, Pearce may not be in the rebuilding Pirate’s plans. Next season will likely feature Nate McLouth, Brandon Moss, and possibly rookie Andrew McCutcheon. And with Adam LaRoche back, Pearce may only be a 4th OF/backup 1B, which may not be worth protecting, even for $1.

In essence, Pearce’s disappointment this season, plus the nagging notion of a “wasted” $1 bid on an active spot, wants me to be rid of him. Plus, with X-Men’s acquisition of Alfonso Soriano (also from Cover Zero), the Atomic Roadrunners need all the help they can get. So welcome, Lastings, may you make us proud in these final days before free agency! And as Chris Keck reminded me in August of 2000, “Flags fly forever.”

Update (8/22): Pirates optioned outfielder Steven Pearce to Triple-A Indianapolis. Pearce had gone 12-for-55 with seven RBI and no homers since getting called up in the end of July. He’ll be back in September. (Rotoworld)

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