Carlos Quentin

Padres manager Bud Black set a target of 450-500 at-bats for Quentin back in February, which seemed like a pipe dream at the time considering the outfielder never reached 500 at-bats in any of his first eight seasons and had exceeded 450 just twice. As it turned out, Quentin only managed 130 at-bats, the lowest number of his career. Quentin was delayed at the start of spring training after undergoing surgery on his right knee in the offseason, and his left knee began acting up toward the end of the Cactus League slate, forcing him on to the DL to begin the regular season. He didn't end up making his debut until mid-May, and from there, Quentin battled groin and shoulder issues before another knee setback ultimately ended his season in late July. When on the field, the two-time All-Star looked like a shell of his former self, with a .599 OPS and 21.3% strikeout rate. The declining skill set, extensive injury history and lack of a starting role should dissuade most reasonable fantasy players.

Like many of his Padre brethren, Quentin dealt with at least one ailment, while serving an eight-game suspension for his role in a bench-clearing brawl during the first two weeks of the season. Despite a balky knee and strained left shoulder, he still managed to total 13 long balls in 276 at-bats, with a helpful line (.275/.363/.493) along for the ride. He's credited a taller stance that places less torque on his knees as a development that could keep the injury-prone outfielder healthier than normal in 2014, with September's season-ending procedure on his right knee supporting his optimism. Potential owners must weigh the risk/reward associated with Quentin, but the fact that the Padres' starting left fielder, when able to play, has gone yard every 17.7 at-bats in his career makes the gamble a palatable one.

It was yet another season filled with injuries for Quentin in 2012 as he dealt with a nagging knee injury for much of the season. In the end he only played 86 games, which should surprise no one as he has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Yet through all of this, he has still been able to do what he does best: hit for power. His .877 OPS in 2012 was the highest OPS he has produced since 2008, his breakout season with the White Sox. In October, he had his ailing knee scoped, but expects to be ready for the start of the season. Because Quentin cannot seem to stay healthy for an extended period of time, he is a risky investment for any owner, but not one without upside.

Quentin hit 20-plus home runs once again in 2011, but he yet again failed to stay healthy enough to log 500 at-bats. A sprained right shoulder ended his season in late August, but that should not be a concern moving into 2012. Quentin's 2011 batting average was a three-year high of .254, but a career .253 BABIP through six major league seasons suggests we should not expect to see it go much higher. He gets on base frequently even without the great batting average thanks to a tendency to get in the way of a lot of pitches. The White Sox traded him to the Padres in January, and the downgrade in home parks is enormous. Quentin hit 61 of his 107 White Sox home runs at U.S Cellular Field, but interestingly enough, 17 of his 24 in 2011 came on the road. He should hit in the heart of the order with the Padres, and the raw power still makes him a 30-homer threat if he's able to stay healthy.

Quentin avoided the disabled list in 2010 after a broken hand ended his 2008 season prematurely and plantar fasciitis marred his 2009 season. Still, a variety of day-to-day maladies held him to 131 games, and what we did see was a step back from his breakout 2008 campaign. He could get on base thanks to an acceptable walk rate and his tendency to get hit by a lot of pitches, but his .241 BABIP led to a .243 batting average. His power is reflected in his .236 ISO, and while he only hit 26 home runs in 2010, he remains a threat to hit 30-plus for as long as he plays his home games at U.S. Cellular field. He will start 2011 as the White Sox's starting right fielder despite his defensive shortcomings, and he will probably have a home at either No. 6 or No. 7 on manager Ozzie Guillen's lineup card.

Quentin was unable to capture his 2008 magic in 2009, but most of that failure can be blamed on his season-long bout with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The malady made him miss two months, and he never really got back on track. He was able to hit 21 home runs in 99 games, but his batting average was mired at .236 despite a .323 OBP. Even before the fasciitis hit, Quentin didn’t. He had eight home runs in the 36 starts before his extended absence, but the average rotted at .229. His BABIP sat at .223, well below his career average, so there is some hope for a rebound. Either way, he is guaranteed a spot in the White Sox's outfield to start the season, but he may have to earn his way back to the heart of the order.

Quentin, given away by the Diamondbacks, went from a job battle in March to the best player in the league through Labor Day. A broken left wrist ended his season prematurely and contributed to the Sox's quick exit from the postseason. Quentin's performance last season was a peak, but not by much; he may trade some homers for doubles and lose some BA points, things that will be made up by playing a full season.

Quentin's window for regular playing time with Arizona came and went in 2007, with end result being a trade to the White Sox in December. The D-Backs have Chris Young and Justin Upton penciled in as everyday players for the next several years, while the re-signing of Eric Byrnes made a trade inevitable. The likely result for Quentin is an everyday job in left field with the White Sox, in power-faciliating environment at U.S. Cellular Field. Keep an eye on how he responds to October surgery that repaired the labrum and rotator cuff in his left shoulder - as he may not be 100 percent for the start of the season - but there's still plenty to like here once he's healthy.

Like teammate Conor Jackson, Quentin has more doubles power than home-run power, though both jacked up their home-run rates in the majors. Quentin could very well be a desert Edgar Martinez, a .430/.550 guy for a long time to come, and more valuable outside of straight roto leagues.

One of the many top-notch prospects in Arizona's organization, Quentin certainly appears big-league ready. However, as a corner outfielder, he's blocked by both Luis Gonzalez and Shawn Green in Arizona. Unless one of those two high-priced vets gets hurt or unexpectedly goes elsewhere, Quentin might not get to play a role this year. Look to see if Arizona gives Quentin some playing time in center field in the spring to try to squeeze him into the lineup. Otherwise, he might not help anyone much in single-season leagues, despite the talent.

With Conor Jackson and Marland Williams, Quentin is in the upper tier of Arizona's outfield prospects. Note that he was shut down after just three games of the Arizona Fall League season due to a back strain, but he should be ready by spring training. He'll likely get a call to the bigs sometime during 2005, but probably not to start the season. Still, he can get on base and hit for power, so he's one to watch.

Quentin played for Team USA in 2002. He had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2003.