Carlos Quentin Trade Rumors
By Editorial Staff
With one Carlos off the table, the Phillies appear to be going after another. After Carlos Beltran was dealt to the Giants yesterday, Philadelphia is targeting White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin.
Chicago made headlines yesterday for dealing Edwin Jackson as a part of the three team trade involving the Blue Jays and Cardinals.
The White Sox had made it known earlier in the week that they were interested in cutting payroll and making moves while remaining competitive in what’s turned out to be a tight AL Central race. They were able to use their starting pitching depth to swing the Jackson move, saving money in the process.
Chicago’s outfield depth could also come into play as we approach the deadline, allowing the club to deal Quentin.
2011 has been Quentin’s best season in Chicago since his first year with the Sox in 2008. So far, the slugger has posted a line of .262/.353/.510 with 20 home runs and 62 RBI’s. The 28 year old has a career OPS of .841 and has now hit 20 or more home runs 4 straight seasons, topping out at 36 dingers in 2008.
While this may sound like someone a contender would be crazy to give up at this point of the season, there are a few reasons Chicago may be willing to move Quentin.
We know Chicago is interested in saving money, and while Quentin is making a reasonable $5.05 million this season, he is likely to see a significant pay raise in 2012 through arbitration.
Another reason the Sox could afford to move Quentin is Dayan Viciedo. The Cuban native has moved from third base to the outfield, and has been putting up numbers signaling he could be a feasible replacement for Quentin.
In 96 games with the White Sox Triple-A affiliate, the 22 year old Viciedo has an OPS of .865 with 16 home runs, 24 doubles and 65 RBI’s. Viciedo also showed success at the major league level when he joined the Sox last summer. Appearing in 38 games, Viciedo held a line of .308/.321/.519 with Chicago.
White Sox GM Kenny Williams said Tuesday that depending on how the team does leading up to the 31st, he would consider blowing things up and going with a younger roster.
But while the Phillies are reportedly very interested in Quentin, it’s still to be determined if Chicago is truly willing to move the slugger this summer. The White Sox just finished winning series against the Indians and Tigers, the two teams ahead of them in the standings, and may be content standing pat after yesterday’s trade.
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