By Mark GonzalesCarlos Quentin was a solid right fielder at Stanford from 2001 to 2003.
Even so, White Sox general manager Ken Williams said he would ask for Quentin's permission to move him from left field if there was a deal that would require Quentin to switch positions.
Williams said he sought assurances last week from Gordon Beckham before acquiring Mark Teahen, which will cause Beckham to move from third base to second.
"If I were to move Carlos Quentin from right field, I'd absolutely would have that conversation with him first," Williams said.
Williams likes the versatility of the Sox's outfield, in which Alex Rios and Jordan Danks can play center and right exceptionally well. "There's a number of options that we have, and we'd like to try to give ourselves those options because overall it insulates you to a greater degree against injury or poor performance."
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Jordan Danks can play CF exceptionally well without ever having played in the big leagues because that very same position exists from tee ball all the way through Triple A and into the big leagues...
The guy didn't have a single error last season ... and at 6-4 can cover ground like you wouldn't believe. But what do I know, I only saw him play like 60-70 times last year...
As for left fielders being the worst outfielders... That isn't entirely true. It's usually the weakest arm that gets put in LF. Sammy Sosa wasn't a very good outfielder - even before steroids made him an absolute liability - but he had a huge arm that made him more valuable in RF (though the arm became awful after steroids)... same went for Manny before steroids ruined his arm strength.
Quinton only played LF because we had Dye in RF. He was a RF in the Diamondbacks system.
"Once considered a top prospect, Quentin batted .214 with five home runs and 31 RBIs in 81 games for the NL West champions this season. He lost his starting job in right field and was demoted to the minors in July, then recalled a few weeks later. But he missed most of August with a strained right hamstring and was left off the playoff roster."
And for all you pro scouts out there ...
"His speed is good for a big guy, although he still needs to refine his stealing technique. His outfield range is sufficient for left or right field. Arm strength was a major plus before the surgery, and it seems like he has that back now. Scouts like his work ethic, and Quentin plays with enthusiasm and fire. Overall, he has no major weaknesses and a lot of strengths."
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=1865780
Steve Stone also previously spoke that Quinton would be an excellent RF.
"Quentin has the physical tools to be an everyday player at the Major League level and is finally showing he can use them effectively. He plays hard every day. He has above average power and fits the role of a right fielder or left fielder on a championship club. He had off-season surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff, and it looks like it made a significant difference in his production."
While ShutUpYouIdiots is correct in saying that teams usually put their worst defensive players in left field (see Alphonso Soriano), Barry Bonds was a great defensive player as he won eight consecutive Gold Glove awards in left field from 1990 until 1998.
In this day and age, everyone knows that you put your worst defensive outfielder in LF. Quentin is a liability in the outfield so he ended up in LF. That's why Podsednik played LF when Quentin was hurt. Some other not-so-great defenders to play in LF so their bats can remain in the lineup: Soriano, Bonds, Manny, Albert Belle, Joe Carter. You're an idiot if you think you put a guy in LF because he is a great defender. You end up there for a reason.
I think Roberto is comparing Quentin's left field play to 2 other Chicago greats, Soriano and Podsednik. The answer is, yes, Quentin has been a below average left fielder in the major leagues just as Soriano and Pods would be below average left fielders in any league.
I hope Kenny was misquoted.
"If I were to move Carlos Quentin from right field, I'd absolutely would have that conversation with him first," Williams said.
Move him FROM right field? Kenny doesn't even know where he plays?
"Now that's funny, comparing Quentin to another terrible outfielder to make your argument. LOL
I guess you must be a scout and only your opinion matters.
What an idiot."
Sigh, uninformed meatheads meet your leader. The guy that throws out childish insults with nothing to back up his ramblings except a quaint little "lol". How cute of you, maybe you'll use the word "sux" in your next reply. I eagerly await your next genius rambling.
Hey Taters..
Dye was too slow to play RF on my softball team.
Jordan Danks can paly center field exceptionally well before coming to the big leagues just as could Jim Landis.
It's amazing how many professional baseball scouts there on this thread. I hope none of you work for the White Sox, because none of you have a clue what you're talking about. Quentin is not "below average" nor does he "suck" in the outfield. He's more than adequate in left and would be an upgrade over Dye in right. Please learn a little about baseball before spewing forth your trash.
Jordan Danks can paly center field exceptionally well before coming to the big leagues just as could Jim Landis.
How can Jordan Danks play Centerfield exceptionally well if he has never played in the big leagues?????????????????
Wow, 17 comments so far and 16 of them are by Cub fans. Don't worry, you only have 2 more years of Milton Bradley, 10 or 12 more years of Soriano and at least 100 more years of not winning a World Series (but the new Cubs owner said he would clean up the toilets so you guys will have a nicer place to pick up men).
So, I'm confused with what Kenny Williams is doing again. We trade Getz because he's the type of player Ozzie, the manager wants and likes. Doesn't make sense for a guy who is an average hitter at best. Then we are talking about moving quentin to RF. If anything, Quentin should be the DH and we promote one outfielder from the minors I.E ( Danks or Mitchel) and then make a trade for Crawford, I know Tampa just picked up his option for 10 mill. That doesn't mean they want to pay him, they just don't want to lose him for nothing. Come Kenny, do something smart.
What if he says no? Alphonso Soriano would........ No Kenny, do not ask permission. Give him a heads up that he may be moving to right.... but never ask permission.
I believe the good players should be in the discussion on any movement but did Beckham have that choice in any circumstance? It appears he was told to get ready to play second, then get ready to play third, now get ready to play second , all the time he is an accomplished Shortstop and we have an unaccomplished shortstop what is the decision?
KW do you have a problem making a decision? "Well, yes and no'.
Alexi is too stupid to play a thinking position.
And they wonder why this team has only won (not WONE. Brilliant sox fans LOL)a fluke WS title in the last century.
Asking permission from the player? What kind of coward is running this so-called team? And then you have the clueless, marble mouth imbecile managing......get ready to wait another 90 years Sux fans.
Yankees all day
After watching the problems that Alexei Ramerez had at short last season...and remembering that he did well at second base earlier...WHY are we talking about moving Beckham to second base when he is an experienced shortstop. Give each of them their more comfortable positions, Kenny. Tom C.
With his bum wheels, Quentin should be the DH. If we are going to throw away next year by not signing or trading for the talent we need, then just let Mitchell and Danks play the outfield along with sixty-million-dollar man Rios. Maybe the on-the-job training will prepare them for a run in 2011 or 2012. Of course, by then Buehrle will be gone and the staff will need some additions. Konerko will also be gone, but I assume they'll plant the fat guy from Cuba on the first sack.
IF - RF does not require "quickness" then somebody please explain all the comments about Dye being too slow! 27 taters will never be produced by anyopne in RF the Sox have now. Asking permission? Who the heck is running this team, the GM or the players? For the money they're getting they should move to where they're TOLD - Period! And anyone can seriously ask why this club underachieved last year? No rudder!
Hey another dumb Cub Fan, First of all, the Sox have wone more than once in 100 years and they also won 4 years ago. 2nd, Right field takes a stronger arm but not exactly speedier.
Typical Cub Fan, Has no idea how the game is played or anything else about it plus they come on to a Sox Board,TRYING to make himself look like a Sox fan. Get a Life.
knucklhead,
RF does not require quickness and apeed. please name all the fast RFs in the league, lol. Quinton was/is projected to be a RF his whole career. Get with it!
another dumb move on November 9, 2009 7:35 PM
Classic Sox move. Take a guy who completely sucks in left and move him into a harder position that requires more quickness and speed than his current position.
No wonder we can only win something once every hundred years.
Please re-read the article. Quentin is not moving to right field. KW said if the opportunity arose to get a left fielder he would as Quentin's approval before making the trade.