Green's Trade Would Open Door for Carlos Quentin

Diamondbacks outfielder Carlos Quentin is universally recognized for his fine eye at the plate, ability to hit to all fields and hit with power. Quentin is hitting at a more than .300 clip with a homer every 10 atbats in limited play for the Diamondbacks. All that stands between him and a starting job is the trade of veteran Shawn Green, who has cleared waivers. And all that stands between the trade and its consumation is the Mets willingness to absorb Green's contract, Green's willingness to waive his no-trade clause, and for Mets owner Omar Minaya to agree to part with rookie Lastings Milledge, or perhaps a lesser luminary. Look for Quentin to find something good in his pinata for his 24th birthday on Aug. 28, or shortly thereafter.