Christopher Hanewinckel – USA Today Sports
It’s been a few years now since San Diego Padres OF Carlos Quentin was a star outfielder in fantasy baseball, but owners should take advantage of the big man while he continues his torrid streak.
Quentin started the season with a rough April marred by a suspension and a lack of production at the plate; hitting just .239 with two home runs and nine RBI the entire month. He didn’t fare much better in April (in fact, you could argue he was even worse) with a .191 average and .699 OPS.
As the weather has heated up, so has the veteran. Quentin has a hit in all six games he’s played in June, going 12-for-25 (.480) with two home runs, two doubles and four RBI; good for a 1.366 OPS. Quentin may be past his prime and he certainly is not the 36-100-.288 guy he was in 2008. When healthy, however, he is still very capable of hitting 25 home runs while driving in upwards of 80 RBI. He isn’t going to hit much better than .250, but as long as he can stay on the field, there is plenty of power left in that bat.
He also gives a big boost to owners in leagues that count on-base percentage as he has a career .350 OBP and is getting on base at a 36 percent clip this year. Injuries are certainly a bugaboo for the 30-year-old slugger, but with a good eye and plenty of pop, owners in need of power could take a shot. He is currently owned in less than 10 percent of ESPN leagues, so take advantage while you can.
Rich Arleo is a fantasy sports expert with Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Rarleo, ‘Like’ him on Facebook and add him to your networks on Google.
