Chicago White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin says he has just ‘general soreness’ in his left foot, according to the Chicago Tribune. Quentin was slowed by plantar fasciitis in his left foot last season and, to his credit, managed to hit 21 home runs in just 99 games.

Quentin is an OPS machine and a legitimate 40-home run hitter when he’s healthy, but the fact is, health has never been a slam dunk for him. Even at the tail end of his breakout 2008 campaign, Quentin managed to smash a bat against his right wrist and land on the disabled list.

Heel, wrist, shoulder and foot injuries have been issues throughout his Major League career, and oh by the way, Quentin is a magnet for the baseball when he’s at the plate. He’s been hit by 54 pitches in 367 career games, including 15 times (7th most in baseball) in just 99 games last season. Add that to the list of injury risks.

But, as with any injury risk, there’s a corresponding ‘discount’ on his services on draft day. Take the fear of injuries out of the equation, and Quentin would be a fringe top-50 player. As it is, he’s lasting into the 11th and 12th rounds of standard fantasy drafts. His fantasy game, injuries or not, stands out in that territory.

You can count on one hand the number of players with 35-homer potential available after the first five rounds, so Quentin
certainly has value potential. At that stage of the draft, Quentin could miss 40 games, hit 30 home runs and STILL justify the draft choice. But, there’s room for so much more.

We don’t recommend reaching for Quentin, but taking him anywhere leading up to the 100th overall pick is well worth the gamble. Power comes at a hefty premium at all stages of the draft; taking a risk to obtain it late is a wise play.