Birthdate: August 28, 1982
Birthplace: Bellflower, California
The Chicago White Sox are making some noise in the American League. One of the main reasons for their success is the play of Carlos Quentin. We have the 411 on this MVP candidate.
Growing Up
Carlos Quentin grew up in Southern California, where he excelled at all sports. While attending the prestigious University of San Diego High School, he played baseball, football and basketball. In 2000, he was named San Diego Male Athlete of the Year. Carlos went on to play at Stanford University where he was an All Pac-10 Team selection three years in a row. He led the Cardinals to the College World Series in 2003, where they lost to Rice University. At the end of his Stanford career, Carlos was selected 29th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft.MLB Career
Carlos spent his first few years out of college playing on Arizona's minor league affiliates. In the minor leagues, Carlos dominated. In 2004, he led the league in batting, RBI's, runs, hits and walks. Carlos also set a minor league record in 2004 for being beaned 43 times! In July 2006, Carlos was called up to the Diamondbacks after hitting .289 with 30 doubles, nine home runs and 52 RBI's while playing for the Tucson Sidewinders. In his major league debut against the Dodgers, Carlos hit a two-run home run. Carlos finished the season with a .253 batting average and nine home runs and 35 RBIs in 57 games with Arizona. The following season, Carlos was injured most of the year and it affected his play as he was demoted back to Triple-A midway during the season. After the season, Arizona dealt Carlos to the Chicago White Sox.2008 Season
After a lackluster 2007 season, Carlos came out of the gates fast in 2008. Through August 2008, Carlos is leading the AL in home runs, is third in slugging percentage and third in RBIs. He was even named an All-Star this season. On top of having a great individual year, Carlos and his surprise White Sox are fighting for a playoff spot. They are currently first in their division. Carlos is a serious contender for AL MVP!Special Player
Carlos is one of the most powerful players in the league today. His ability to crush the ball draws comparisons to sluggers such as Jose Canseco and Luis Gonzalez. On top of his strength, Quentin also has quick bat speed and the ability to make contact with the ball. He's also a strong defender in right field. If he continues to improve he will be one of the best players in the game year in and year out.Did U Know?
Carlos Says...
"I'm worried more about quality at-bats and doing what I can to help the team win - simple thoughts that allow me to have success in this game."Related Stories:
Related Articles
