Carlos Quentin Would Be a Perfect Fit with the New York Yankees

Now that Brett Gardner is out until after the All-Star break after suffering yet another setback, it's time for Brian Cashman to start combing the trade market for available outfielders.

While the likes of Alfonso Soriano and Josh Willingham will likely be available, the Yankees should focus on San Diego Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin.

Even though Cashman has said that he "hasn't been looking," there's no doubt that he's seriously thinking about making a deal.

All deals would hinge on Gardner's diagnosis after visiting the esteemed Dr. James Andrews, of course. Unfortunately for the Yankees, not many visits to Dr. Andrews end very well for the team or the player.

If Gardner is out for an extended period of time, Cashman should hop right on the phone and call Padres general manager Josh Byrnes. Not only can Quentin fill the void left by Gardner this season, but he can also potentially fill the void left by Nick Swisher if he leaves via free agency.

Quentin is also a free agent, but he'll likely command much less money. His ability to perform in the Bronx is the big factor is such a move. There's no reason to believe that he won't perform, though.

Quentin will be 30 years old in August, while Swisher will be 32 this November. The age difference isn't crazy, but Quentin is still younger. In a Yankee lineup filled with aging veterans, a younger bat could be nice addition.

While Quentin has been performing nicely thus far in 2012—.484/.543/1.097, five home runs, nine RBI—he could still be had pretty cheaply. Two mid-level prospects should be able to get a deal done with the Padres. If I were Cashman, this is a deal that I would make in a heartbeat.

Not only can Quentin help now, he can also help a few years down the line on a new contract.

All this hinges on Gardner's visit with Dr. Andrews, though. We'll just have to wait and see.