When Carlos Quentin Returns...

Carlos Quentin is about a week from returning and that poses a serious dilemma. Who will the White Sox demote (either to the minors or designate for assignment) to make room for CQ? Here is the list of candidates:

Brian Anderson (OF): Anderson has a good glove, but has been a huge offensive liability. In 64 games, Anderson is only batting .234 with two home runs, 13 RBI, and a .319 on-base percentage.

DeWayne Wise (OF): Wise was supposed to be the leadoff hitter for the Sox before he got injured. He hasn't looked good at all. In 42 games, he's batting .185 with zero home runs, six RBI, and a despicable .235 on-base percentage.

He's also been caught stealing (thrice) more than he has stolen bases (twice). His glove work has declined massively and his speed has not been a valuable asset.

Josh Fields (3B/1B): Once the Sox called up Gordon Beckham, Fields found his way to the bench. In 66 games, Fields is batting .225 with six home runs, 26 RBI, and a .310 on-base percentage. He has a terrible glove (eight errors) that has cost the White Sox a few games.

Jayson Nix (2B/OF): Nix is a solid backup, but doesn't get enough playing time. Nix is batting .236 with six home runs, 12 RBI, and a .292 on-base percentage. His glove is reliable and he is a utility player that can be used almost anywhere.

I think the White Sox should demote DeWayne Wise. He hasn't been the same since his injury. An outfielder should be demoted and it's between Wise and Anderson. Anderson's bat and glove are both better than Wise's as a fourth outfielder.

Josh Fields needs to be kept for now, and I gag as I say that, because there's a lack of backup infielders. Fields also has some potential, being 26, and he did hit 23 home runs in 2007. His biggest problem is his tendency to strikeout.

What will happen? The White Sox are likely to demote Josh Fields or Jayson Nix, and I think that would be a mistake. Nix is a super-utility man who has a lot of upside that should be getting playing time over DeWayne Wise.

Carlos will be plugged back in left field while Scott Podsednik will be moved to center field. That's the plan that Kenny Williams, Ozzie Guillen, and the rest of the coaching staff have. Quentin might also DH a few games because of his foot.

Carlos Quentin's return couldn't come at a better time. Jim Thome has been on-fire. Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye continue to carry the offensive burden, but that can only last so long. The Pale Hose are only 1.5 games out of the AL Central, and DeWayne Wise has not contributed at all.