Why Trading Carlos Quentin Wouldn't Raise the White Flag for the White Sox

It's hard to imagine a team trading their second best run producer in a year he was selected to the All-Star team and not saying that they are giving up on making a post-season run. But that's exactly what the White Sox would be doing if they were to unload Carlos Quentin before the weekend is over.
It's no secret that the Sox have been offensively challenged this year despite having the highest payroll in franchise history. They rank in the middle of the American League in most offensive categories and their prized free agent signing, Adam Dunn, hasn't touched the Mendoza Line since May 19th. Then when why would the Sox even think about trading the guy that is second on the team in home runs, and rbi's and leads the team in extra base hits? Because they need to get better, both this year and beyond.

Carlos Quentin, when healthy, can carry a ball club. And as nice as it would be to see him carry the Sox past Cleveland and Detroit, I don't trust that he will stay healthy to do it. The Braves and Phillies, if we're to believe rumors and reports, have been looking long and hard at Quentin and would love to have him in the middle of their lineups, with Atlanta the more likely suitor since Philly is more enamored with Houston's Hunter Pence.

Both teams have strong minor league systems and GM Kenny Williams will certainly want a top level pitching prospect in return for the right fielder. The Sox are in danger of losing a starting pitcher or two in the off-season and will need to stock the cupboard with quality young arms for 'The Pitching Whisperer' Don Cooper to take under his wing. I mean, who's the last 'can't miss' Braves pitching prospect that went the way of Aaron Poreda? The reason they stay so good for so long is because they know how to scout and develop young pitchers.

But how does trading Quentin help the Sox this year? It opens up right field for Dayan Viciedo to come up from AAA and prove he is major league ready. Sure, he won't be able to produce the numbers Quentin can right away, but it brings another young player into the clubhouse that will be full of excitement and a bat that the ball jumps off of like no one else on the roster.

This is a move that Kenny Williams needs to make, whether the Sox keep gaining on Detroit and Cleveland or not. Quentin hasn't been the offensive force he was in the first month and a half of the season, his defense is next to bad and there will always be questions about his health. By dealing him before the July 31st deadline, the Sox will (probably) get a starting pitcher for the next 3-5 years and will hand over right field to their future slugger.

If they truly want to play according to their 'All In' slogan, then moving Carlos Quentin is the deal that has to be made.

~Poljak