Garcia finishes on high note

You've got to hand it to Freddy Garcia he knows how to overcome adversity.

A completely different pitcher since having major shoulder surgery in 2007, Garcia was good enough to win the White Sox' fifth starter's job in spring training and he more than held his own this season.

Lower back pain threatened to end his season on Sept. 1, but after sitting out 2 starts Garcia came back strong and pitched 6 solid innings at Anaheim last Friday.

The 33-year-old right-hander was even better in the White Sox' 5-2 win over the Red Sox on Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

In his final start of the season, Garcia (12-6) pitched 7 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits.

"I'm really happy with the way I pitched tonight," Garcia said. "We (clinched) second place, at least. I finished strong and I showed them and everybody else I can still pitch. I missed two starts but I battled. I've always been that way. I do my job."

A bargain this season with a base salary of $1 million, Garcia is headed for free agency and a much bigger contract. He hopes he gets one from the White Sox.

"We'll see after the season," Garcia said. "Whatever happens, happens. Hopefully, I'm back here. I love it here. It's a great city."

Quentin chronicles: Carlos Quentin made a nice diving catch in the first inning Wednesday, but the White Sox' right fielder exited in the fifth with a sore left ankle.

"It's OK," Quentin said. "I kind of twisted it on the bases (Tuesday)."

It's been another injury-prone season for Quentin, but manager Ozzie Guillen also said the 28-year-old outfielder has to learn how to loosen up.

"Carlos is a guy who goes out there and tries too hard," Guillen said. "The last couple of games it was fun to see Carlos Quentin play. He has a smile on his face; he's having fun in this game. That will help Carlos. The only person to help Carlos is Carlos."

While his batting average is low at .243, Quentin has managed 26 home runs and 87 RBI in 131 games.

"You look at the numbers and say, 'Wow, if this guy has a little fun in the game, he can be very, very dangerous,' " Guillen said.

See you next year? Gordon Beckham said his sore right hand continues feeling better, but manager Ozzie Guillen said the second baseman isn't expected to play again this season.

"Right now, I doubt it," Guillen said. "He wants to (play) man, every time we try to pinch-run somebody he's right behind me. But I don't see him getting better."