ESPN MLB

Originally Published: August 23, 2004

D-Backs prospect Carlos Quentin

The former first-round pick is already an accomplished hitter despite very little experience in the minors.

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By John Sickels
Special to ESPN.com
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Carlos Quentin
Arizona Diamondbacks
Position: OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 220 Born: 8/28/82 Bats: Right Throws: Right

Background
Carlos Quentin was a very successful player for Stanford University, emerging as an excellent hitter as early as his freshman year. A terrific junior season solidified his rank as a premium talent, although worries about an elbow injury knocked him to the end of the first round rather than the middle. He signed quickly, had surgery, then returned at full strength this spring. An effective first half in the California League got him a promotion to Double-A, and Quentin has been on fire at El Paso for the last two months. He has confirmed his status as one of the top outfield prospects in the game.

Scouting report
Quentin is an impressive physical specimen, lean but muscular, with decent running speed. His best tool is pure bat speed; the ball jumps off his bat. He doesn't rely on only brute force, however; he has a mature approach at the plate, seldom swings at bad pitches, and can go to the opposite field as well as pull the ball. He handles both breaking pitches and fastballs. Most of his home runs are of the line-drive variety: he's very strong, but his swing is more of a line-drive stroke at this point. It may be another year or two before he fully taps his power for home runs. Quentin works the count effectively, and does not strike out much. His speed is good for a big guy, although he still needs to refine his stealing technique. His outfield range is sufficient for left or right field. Arm strength was a major plus before the surgery, and it seems like he has that back now. Scouts like his work ethic, and Quentin plays with enthusiasm and fire. Overall, he has no major weaknesses and a lot of strengths.

Performance
Quentin's pro numbers so far are excellent, although both Lancaster and El Paso are good for offense. Even accounting for park/league stat inflation, his numbers are solid, particularly a notably low strikeout rate. If you look at his college statistics, you can see his growth as a hitter. Note how his walk rates increased while his strikeout rates decreased from his freshman to his junior seasons. That's a sign of a hitter making adjustments and learning his craft.

Health record
A 2003 elbow injury required Tommy John surgery, but he rehabbed successfully last autumn and has returned at regular effectiveness this season. His arm didn't look quite as strong as it used to earlier this year, but by late July he looked 100 percent. The injury has certainly had no effect on his hitting.

What to expect
Quentin combines with fellow Diamondbacks prospect Conor Jackson as Arizona's "Corner Outfielders of the Future." Of all the hitters I have seen in the minor leagues this year, Quentin showed the best combination of bat speed and plate discipline. His numbers back up the scouting reports, and I think he is going to be an outstanding major league hitter, possibly as soon as 2005.

John Sickels is the author of The Baseball Prospect Book 2004, which can be ordered through his Web site, Johnsickels.com. His other book, "Bob Feller: Ace of the Greatest Generation," is also out, and can be ordered through online book outlets or your local bookstore. He lives in Lawrence, Kan., with his wife, Jeri; son, Nicholas; and feline friends Toonces and Spot.