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

John Bowker was acquired and activated today with a $2 FAAB bid. Bowker, who became the first Giants player to homer in his first two games last weekend, hit his first career triple leading off the seventh inning Tuesday against the Diamondbacks and singled in the ninth. Bowker finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and is 6-for-10 with seven RBI in his first three major-league games. From the pre-season CBS Sports preview: Bowker is a 24-year-old outfield prospect who hit .307 with 22 homers, 90 RBI, 70 runs, three steals, a .363 OBP and a .523 OBP in 522 Double-A at-bats last season. He is behind Nate Schierholtz and Daniel Ortmeier in the pecking order this season, but he has more long-term potential than both — particularly because of his power. Consider him a prospect flier and a potential contributor in NL-only leagues sometime during the 2008 season.

Mike Gonzalez was acquired today with a $0 FAAB bid. According to CBS Sports, Gonzalez has begun throwing live batting practice and may be pitching in extended spring training in Florida as early as next week. He opened the season on the DL following Tommy John surgery last May. Gonzalez is a decent middle reliever and might even be a candidate to close at some point, but stash him on DL lists only in the deepest of NL Fantasy leagues at this point. With all the turmoil in the Braves bullpen, he might be the best bet out there, and a possible sleeper protection.

FAAB Acquisitions:

• OF John Bowker, Giants ($2 bid) [active]
• P Mike Gonzalez, Braves ($0 bid)

Up:

• P Jon Lieber, Cubs
• P Peter Moylan, Braves
• OF Brian Barton, Cardinals

Down:

• OF Shane Victorino, Phillies (15-Day DL)
• OF Rajai Davis, Giants
• P Chuck James, Atlanta
• P Zach Duke, Pirates

Cut:

• OF Gregor Blanco, Braves
• 3B Greg Dobbs, Phillies

John Bowker worked out at first base before Monday’s game. The Giants are toying with the idea of converting Bowker to first a la Dan Ortmeier. Ortmeier’s struggles at the plate have caused him to focus on hitting form the right side, leaving the Giants looking for a left-handed option at first. He is being tutored by J.T. Snow, who won six Gold Gloves at first. Such a switch would allow Bowker more playing time and get some more power into the Giants’ lineup. Still, it will probably be a little while before the Giants can depend on Bowker, who has no professional experience at first, as their everyday first baseman. The left-handed Bowker has two home runs and seven RBI in his first two major league games. (Rotoworld, Rotowire)