The Red Sox are "pushing hard" for outfielder Carlos Quentin and relief pitcher Matt Thornton of the Chicago White Sox, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Saturday via Twitter. The White Sox would have to be "overwhelmed with prospects," Nightengale tweeted, to deal Quentin and Thornton while they are just three games back in the AL Central standings. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal confirmed the report, but also said that Quentin is a more likely candidate for an offseason trade than a deadline deal.
Quentin is having another productive year as Chicago's right fielder, with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs to go with a .261 batting average and an .860 OPS.
Thornton, despite a solid 3.28 ERA, is having a bit of a down year for the White Sox after pitching like one of the best relievers in baseball in recent years. He is 0-4 in 2011 with 35 2/3 innings pitched and has only three saves in seven opportunities. He also owns an unimpressive 1.60 WHIP.
Both Quentin and Thornton would be welcome additions to the Red Sox. Quentin would make Boston's already major league-best offense even better, and would give the Sox a stable right fielder and the right-handed power bat they covet. Thornton would provide the Red Sox with a solid lefty option out of the bullpen, which they currently lack.
