Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin has tremendous talent. He's a 2-time All-Star, but if he could just stay healthy for a couple of seasons, he might start producing at a Hall of Fame level.
Quentin has never played more than 131 games in a season, and only topped 100 games three times. It's a tremendous tease, because his the power in his bat can tame even a monster park like PETCO.
Since becoming a starter with the White Sox five years ago, Quentin has averaged a home run every 16.17 at-bats. How does that stack up historically?
It's tied for the 30th-best ratio of all time. It's better than Lou Gehrig (HR every 16.23 at-bats), Hank Aaron (16.38) and Willie Mays (16.49), just to name a few.
In case you're wondering, Mark McGwire had the best ratio in history. Among non-cheaters, that honor belongs to Babe Ruth.
If Quentin can stay healthy enough to get to 500 at-bats, and goes yard at his current pace, he'll smack 30 homers.
Put him next to Chase Headley, and you have a pair of 30-home run threats in the middle of the Padres lineup, which would make them one of the most potent offensive clubs in the league.
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I'm no kidding! In the National League, only the Pirates and Brewers had two guys hit at least 30 homers last year.
Stay healthy, Carlos. Those shorter fences Downtown are beckoning.
