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

Javier Valentin has just one hit in his past eight games, but he only has eight at-bats in that span. In fact, he only has 12 at-bats in the past two weeks. He’s clearly the third catcher behind the surprising Paul Bako and the returning Dave Ross for Cincinnati.

FAAB Acquisition:

• C Chris Coste, Phillies [$0 bid]

Up:

• OF John Bowker
• P Nelson Figueroa

Down:

• OF Andruw Jones
• P Duaner Sanchez

Cut:

• Javier Valentin, C, Cincinnati

Notes:

• Was outbid for re-signing Cubs P Jon Lieber. Cover Zero acquired him for $5 - I had bid $0. Lieber was added to the Cubs’ rotation, and promptly gave up 5 HR in his start. Probably for the best.
• Former Roadrunner Zach Duke was acquired by Misogynistic Padres for $4 FAAB.

FAAB Acquisitions:

• P Nelson Figueroa, Mets ($2 bid) [active]
• P Manny Acosta, Braves ($1 bid) [active]
• OF Gregor Blanco, Braves ($0 bid) [active]

Up:

• OF Matt Murton, Cubs
• C Chris Iannetta, Rockies

Down:

• OF Brian Barton, Cardinals
• OF Andruw Jones, Dodgers
• C Javier Valentin, Reds

Cut:

• P Peter Moylan, Braves
• P Jon Lieber, Cubs
• OF Rajai Davis, Giants

Note: Gregor Blanco becomes the first Atomic Roadrunner this season to re-join the team following his release. Blanco has worked his way into a LF platoon with Matt Diaz, something that hadn’t happened when he was released last week.

Reds C Javier Valentin (hamstring) made a pinch-hit appearance and struck out looking to end the game Monday as Cincinnati fell 5-3 to the Phillies. There were two runners on base when Valentin went down. Valentin hadn’t played since injuring his left hamstring on Friday. He might get back behind the plate on Tuesday. Valentin has some decent power, but he wasn’t really viable in mixed leagues even while starting for David Ross. He remains day to day and is only worth a look in deeper in NL-only play when healthy. (CBS Sports, Rotoworld)

The Reds expect Javier Valentin to be ready to return to the lineup within a few days. Valentin left Friday’s game with a mild left hamstring strain. “It’s not as bad as we thought,” manager Dusty Baker said. “It’s actually better than we thought. He’s been able to pinch-hit, he’ll catch in an emergency. We just have to watch him run. It’s not like he’s a speed demon anyway.” Paul Bako is catching today. (Rotoworld)

Javier Valentin left Friday’s game in the sixth inning with an apparent hamstring injury. It didn’t seem like there was a serious pull, but Valentin was ailing a bit going down the first-base line on his single in the sixth. Paul Nako replaced him. (Rotoworld)

Javier Valentin (manager’s decision) is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game with Arizona, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.  Just a heads up for owners in daily leagues, as Paul Bako will get the nod after Valentin’s rough Opening Day.  Dusty is just punishing Valentin for not hustling and turning a triple into a single on Tuesday. (Rotowire)

FAAB Acquisition:

• Blake DeWitt, 3B, Los Angeles ($0 bid)

Up:

• 3B Blake DeWitt to Utility
• C Javier Valentin
• P Carlos Villanueva
• P Zach Duke
• P Jason Marquis

Down:

• U Scott Hatteberg
• P Peter Moylan
• P Tony Pena
• P Jon Lieber

Cut:

• 2B Emilio Bonifacio

From Baseball Prospectus’s Kevin Goldstein yesterday:

Don’t Believe The Hype: What does Emilio Bonifacio offer other than game-changing speed and good glovework at second? Not a whole heckuva lot. He needs to develop a more patient approach, or he’s going to hit towards the bottom of a lineup.

Emilio, we hardly knew you.

From CBS Sports:

Reds C Javier Valentin hit a three-run homer Saturday against the Rays — his second of the spring. He batted .294 for the exhibition season. Valentin will split at-bats with David Ross this season. He has some decent power, but he’s not worth drafting as more than a No. 2 catcher in NL-only leagues because of his backup status.