Williams will be thrilled when Quentin returns
White Sox general manager Kenny Williams can't wait until Carlos Quentin returns from the disabled list.
"I like us better when he's playing," Williams said.
Quentin hasn't played since May 25, when he tore a tendon on the bottom of his left foot running the bases at Los Angeles.
He was eligible to come off the DL on Wednesday, but the left fielder's return date remains a mystery.
"I want to be optimistic, more than anybody, but the way the process and the progress is going right now, you have to be honest with yourself," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I've got to be honest with you guys. If Carlos is back before the all-star break, it's a blessing."
Quentin said his foot is feeling better, but he wasn't able to run until Tuesday.
"It was definitely a positive considering that three days ago I couldn't even start to jog," Quentin said. "So looking at it that way, it's over 100 percent improvement."
Considering he's already missed three weeks, Quentin would need to go on a rehabilitation assignment before being activated. Will he be back with the Sox before the all-star break?
"I don't want to make any promises, but I would definitely say that's one of the goals I'm striving to do," Quentin said.
Frank's back: Former White Sox star Frank Thomas was back at U.S. Cellular Field on Wednesday, beginning his stint with Comcast SportsNet in advance of next week's Sox-Cubs interleague series at Wrigley Field.
Thomas declined to be interviewed, but he did shake hands with a former adversary, GM Kenny Williams.
Thomas, who reportedly still wants to play at age 41, also interviewed manager Ozzie Guillen.
"I know he's going to do a good job," Guillen said. "He's done it before. I saw him do a few playoff games. I'm glad he's in town and glad he's on our field and I'm glad they let him in."
Draft update: After drafting LSU outfielder Jared Mitchell with their first-round pick Tuesday and following with Indiana catcher Josh Phegly and high school outfielder Trayce Thompson, the White Sox selected eight straight pitchers before taking Indiana State outfielder Nicholas Ciolli.
Sox GM Kenny Williams praised amateur scouting director Doug Laumann and his staff.
"You know, I think it was a nice job by the guys," Williams said. "They really worked it. And even in the 14th, 15th rounds, we took some guys that really have some high, high ceilings, but because of some unusual circumstances, they've fallen. There are a lot of intriguing guys that we have in place. Combine that with what we already have and yeah, it could turn out very well."
The draft concludes today with rounds 31-50.
Projecting Poreda: Aaron Poreda warmed up in the bullpen Wednesday, but the rookie left-hander is still waiting to make his major-league debut after having his contract purchased from Class AA Birmingham on Tuesday.
GM Kenny Williams envisions Poreda moving into the starting rotation, most likely next season.
"We still think he's going to be a starter, but I'm a big believer in allowing guys, when you have the opportunity, to allow guys to start out in the bullpen," Williams said. "It's very difficult for a young starter to be in charge of 6 or 7 innings as a start. The learning curve is such that it takes a while. You have your exceptions, but given the opportunity, you want guys to ease into the transition."