Carlos

Quentin

Either player could surprise enough in spring training to get a look at a possible open job, but expect both to start the year at Triple-A Tucson. Quentin, hitting .378 with good plate discipline, looks to be slightly ahead of Jackson right now.

We understand manager Bob Melvin wanting to play Green and Luis Gonzalez, but if you’re going to open up a spot in the outfield, it absolutely has to go to Quentin right now. Quentin has four homers in 20 at-bats since reaching the majors, and DaVanon isn’t the hitter the rookie is nor has he ever shown success against Astros starter Roger Clemens. Quentin did contribute in the game by getting hit by a pitch, his trademark, and scoring a run, but he could have done more damage with three additional plate appearances.

“He wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think he was ready to be a right fielder,” Melvin said. “We felt like he was ready last year. Everything that he’s shown would suggest he’s ready to play.” There’s not going to be many at-bats available for Shawn Green with Quentin playing regularly. He’ll start at first on occasion, but he might not have much fantasy value unless he gets traded. Quentin, on the other hand, should become an asset in mixed leagues.

Quentin has 17 RBI in 49 at-bats since being called up on July 20. Over the same span, Shawn Green has seven RBI in 70 at-bats. It’s time for the Diamondbacks to give Quentin a chance to play regularly. Green isn’t hopeless, but the last four years say he’s average at best. Quentin already seems to be something more than that.

Quentin hit .301/.422/.520 at Tucson last year, so that he’s at .274/.397/.486 in 208 at-bats so far in 2006 is something of a disappointment. It can’t help that he’s lacked motivation all year long. He’s known since the end of last season that he was likely going to have to wait until 2007 for a starting job no matter how well he performed. There’s a slight chance that a Luis Gonzalez trade will open up left field before then, but, most likely, Quentin will have to remain patient.

If Quentin is available in your mixed league, grab him. He is slumping lately, but he’s still been rather productive as a major leaguer. The Green trade also could mean that Chris Young will have some fantasy value in NL-only leagues.

Quentin wound up missing around three weeks because of a sprained shoulder. The 29-year-old outfielder returns to a .255/.341/.501 batting line, 24 home runs and 77 RBI. Even with the White Sox now out of contention, he should be active down the stretch.

With a green manager, a major league roster full of disappointments and a farm system that’s probably the worst in baseball, the Sox are likely facing an overhaul this offseason. They’ll probably look to trade Carlos Quentin and a starter like John Danks or Gavin Floyd (or both) first, but Konerko isn’t off the table. The veteran was claimed on waivers by the D’Backs in August but was pulled back after a trade was unable to be worked out. He would have to waive his no-trade clause but indicated he’d be willing to do so in the right situation. “I think you look at it, and you always listen to things on the table,” Konerko said. “If Kenny or Jerry wanted to call and say, ‘This is what we’re doing. What do you think?’ you listen to it all and make a decision. It’s a business.”

“What we have to do is weigh whatever they’re offering up against our chances for the next season,” Williams said. “If we’re going to move our valuable pieces, it’s going to be for major league-ready talent as they can grow with this nice nucleus in place.” Quentin would appear to offer the most trade value coming off a season that saw him hit 254/.340/.499 to go along with 77 RBI over 118 games. Other possible trade possiblities include pitchers John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton.

Quentin had a meniscus tear repaired and loose cartilage removed. It’s a tough break for the Padres, who surprised many around baseball by acquiring the 29-year-old outfielder from the White Sox during the offseason. Kyle Blanks should benefit in the short-term.