Carlos Quentin Would Be Good

One of the guys that the Pirates have shown interest in this traded deadline is White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin. This seems like a better option to me than other names like Josh Willingham and Jason Kubel.

Quentin is 28 years old and has a good track record of hitting home runs. In 2008, Quentin hit 36 homers. He hasn't reached 30 in a year since then, but hit 21 in 99 games in 2009 and then 26 in 131 games in 2010. He has 20 so far in 2011 and hasn't missed any time with injury.

You aren't going to get a .300 batting average with Quentin like you might with Kubel, he's a career .253/.348/.491 hitter, but has pretty good plate patience and doesn't strike out a ton.

Quentin is signed through 2011 and is arbitration eligible next year and will reach free agency in 2013 if nothing changes, so it's unlikely that this would be anything more than a rental. However, I think Quentin is a player that is worth locking up for a few years, even if it does cost a hefty price tag. He's still in his "prime years" and is a threat for 30+ home runs every year. The Pirates desperately need a bat like that, and this guy could help them substantially as long as he's in the lineup.

We really don't know what the White Sox are asking for him, and if he's even 100% available. CSN Chicago reports that it is "most likely" that the White Sox keep Quentin for the rest of the year, even though they have a good replacement ready in a kid named Dayan Viciedo. The Pirates will probably have to give up more than they would like in this situation, but I think it would be worth it. He is one of the best power bats available right now, and that's what the Pirates need most.