Multiple reports say that Phillies have been sending scouts to take a look at Chicago White Sox OF Carlos Quentin, who looks like a possible trade target as the Phillies pursue a right handed bat prior to the trade deadline. Quentin is a middle of the lineup, power bat that would change the complexion of the Phils lineup. He’s hit at least 20 home runs in each of the past four years and already has 20 on the season.
He’s also only 28 and has another year of arbitration left. He is making just over $5 million this year and has been having a good season. 2.9 WAR, 20 HRs, 26 doubles, 20 HRs and he's getting on base at a good clip (.356). He would upgrade the lineup, there's no doubt.
The biggest question is of course what the cost would be. Considering he’s a power hitter in his prime years that’s not a rental, he wont come cheap and leads us back to the discussion we’ve been having for weeks. Why make a blockbuster move? What is the need? The Phillies already have the best record in baseball, already have the best run differential in the NL, since Chase Utley’s return they’ve been scoring as many runs as as other team in NL.
This team is not broken. Far from it… why make a major move that potentially hurts the franchises’ future?