Quentin the one player Sox cannot do without

The breath test - or breathless test - applies to White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin.

So soon, too.

The test is when an athlete takes a blow. Because he's so important, you hold your breath until it's clear he's all right.

Like when Michael Jordan was knocked to the floor and grimacing in pain. Or when Walter Payton was a little slow getting up from a tackle.

Uh-oh, is he all right? Is this an injury that will keep him out awhile? Is the dream of a championship over?

Quentin is no Jordan or Payton. Who is? But all those questions rattled around inside me Sunday afternoon when Quentin was hit by a pitch.

He stood in the batter's box in pain. Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and trainer Herm Schneider came out to check on him.

Quentin has been here just a little longer than four months in his first full major-league season.

But, man, what an impact the guy has made. It's even more than his .286 batting average, 32 home runs and 90 runs batted it.

"He comes to the plate in big situations," Guillen said, "and most of the time comes through."

Oops, he did it again in the third inning of Sunday's 6-5 victory over the Red Sox.

The White Sox trimmed Boston's 3-0 lead to 3-1 before Quentin's 2-run homer tied it. His teammates took it from there.

"Absolutely," White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome said when asked whether Quentin is a Most Valuable Player candidate. "Look at not only the year he's had but the big hits."

Quentin hasn't suffered a prolonged slump. His natural talent and work ethic make him consistent.

"He's a smart worker," hitting coach Greg Walker said. "I like the way he works. He knows what he's looking for."

Again, that's rare in somebody with so little big-league experience, especially considering Quentin was on the disabled list twice last year with shoulder and hamstring ailments.

After the Diamondbacks traded him to the White Sox in December, Quentin wasn't completely healthy at the beginning of spring training and almost was sent to the minors before Opening Day.

Instead, Quentin has been in left field for the Sox nearly the entire season and the standout amid veteran sluggers Thome, Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko.

"It's been fun watching him - and seeing him stay humble," Thome said. "He's going to be a great player for a long time."

Why not? Quentin has an efficiently short stroke. He can hit to all fields with power. He maintains a high on-base percentage. He should finish with a relatively low number of strikeouts for a slugger.

Guillen said, when asked whether he's still amazed by Quentin or takes him for granted, "The only thing amazing about him is that he's so consistent."

Assuming Quentin will play down the stretch the way he has so far, he might be the White Sox' most indispensable player.

So when he stood in the batter's box in pain, it was natural to wonder whether this was a broken hand, wrist, forearm or other body part.

After a couple of minutes, Quentin shook it off and jogged to first base.

Fortunately for the White Sox, he passed the breath test - or breathless test.

mimrem@dailyherald.com