Carlos Quentin played in just 81 games last year for the D-backs. He lost his outfield position and eventually went on the disabled list.

Other articles by Sarah Trotto:

Lima, 36, wants to pitch 'like Randy' Knox garners All-Star spot Figures show bullish start for Toros Group set to travel to Tokyo this month Finally summer is a day at the beach Exhibitions inject fun into season While waiting for O's, group to make proposal to Japanese 3-team sports complex in Marana still an option Umps need 20 minutes to decide play Infielder Priddy trades job on asphalt for game on dirt

Administrative & Professional
Jorgensen Brooks Group
Counselor Sales and Marketing
Everready Glass
Sales Reps Mechanical
Komatsu Equipment Co
Resident Field Mechanic Administrative & Professional
Tucson Urban League
CEO/President Finance and Accounting
Charles E. Gillman Company
Accounting Specialist Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION

Carlos Quentin wants to prove that appearances can be deceiving.

Intense seems to be the word most often used to describe the 25-year-old outfielder and Stanford graduate. Being intense is not always regarded in a positive light.

"Just because I don't smile or look like I'm enjoying it doesn't mean I'm not," Quentin said. "That's why I'm here. I love baseball. You just want to be on the field and compete."

He then smiled and laughed.

Quentin has embarked on a fresh start with the Chicago White Sox after the Arizona Diamondbacks traded him for minor-league infielder Chris Carter on Dec. 3. Closer to completely healthy after October shoulder surgery, Quentin is competing for a spot in the Sox outfield and trying to put behind a tumultuous 2007 season.

"It's always good to have a new start somewhere, a good opportunity to get on the field and compete and play," he said.

Quentin hit .214 in 81 games with the D-backs last season before losing his job in right field to 20-year-old phenom Justin Upton. Quentin was optioned to the Tucson Sidewinders on July 6 after hitting .210. He returned to the majors on July 26, but suffered a hamstring injury, winding up on the disabled list in early August.

Quentin already had been dealing with a shoulder injury throughout the season. He injured his left shoulder while swinging during spring training. Right before the the NL Championship Series, he underwent surgery to repair the labrum and rotator cuff.

Quentin said the shoulder bothered him, but he remained focused on being able to play.

"No one's fault, but after having the surgery and after they told me how things are in there, yeah, I probably should have had it back when (the injury) happened," Quentin said. "You know, I'd probably make the same decision (to wait for surgery) going through that situation again."

The shoulder is about 90 percent, Quentin said, and he started taking live batting practice at Sox camp during the weekend. He will limit his diving and head-first sliding as he eases back into the game.

"I saw him swinging the bat. I don't see any problem in that," said Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who added that the scouting report on Quentin is "outstanding." "This kid is a big part of the ball club."

Quentin could wind up as the club's fourth outfielder, with Jermaine Dye cemented in right, newly acquired Nick Swisher also in the outfield and Jerry Owens and former Arizona standout Brian Anderson also competing for spots.

"I'll just try to show that I'm healthy and able to compete," Quentin said. "If that's all in order, then I'll be able to go out there and play well and reach the potential that I know I have."

Besides the shoulder and hamstring injuries and struggles at the plate, Quentin also missed out on the postseason with the NL West champion D-backs.

"Personally, I was frustrated, but I saw my really close buddies and teammates do really well in the postseason," he said. "The Arizona organization has great things to look forward to.

"I'm just happy for them every step of the way. I wish them the best and I was fortunate for them to let me go to a good opportunity and a good situation."

The D-backs, likewise, wish Quentin well as he embarks on this fresh start. He has hit .230 in 138 career big-league games, compared with .313 in 379 minor- league games.

"(It was a) tough year for him, but Carlos still has a nice career ahead of him," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said. "Sometimes when you get bogged down a little bit and you haven't had the success that you want to at a young age, a change of scenery can be good for you."