Sox’ Danks, Quentin remain in limbo

As expected, the White Sox tendered contract offers Monday to their only two players eligible for salary arbitration — starting pitcher John Danks and right fielder Carlos Quentin.

Danks and Quentin figure to avoid arbitration hearings and agree to one-year deals.

As for actually playing for the Sox in 2012, Danks and Quentin remain in limbo. Each player has been attracting trade interest as the White Sox pare payroll.

And with Sox general manager Kenny Williams still looking to cut, trading Danks would save an estimated $7 million to $8 million next season. Trading Quentin would save an estimated $6 million to $7 million.

Williams is looking for big returns on either player, but interested teams have not been biting for one main reason.

Danks and Quentin are eligible for free agency at the end of the 2012 season, so they could be one-year rentals.

Unless Danks and/or Quentin are open to discussing a multiyear extension with an interested team, they could be back with the White Sox.

At times this season, Danks and Quentin showed tremendous value.

From June 6 to Aug. 27, Danks was 6-1 with a 2.03 ERA. Quentin had 10 RBI in the Sox’ first five games, and he had RBI in five straight games in late April/early May.

On the flip side, Danks opened the season with an 0-8 record and 5.25 ERA and closed with a 2-3 record and 7.76 ERA. Quentin had another tough year staying healthy and was limited to 118 games because of knee and shoulder injuries.

Another concern with Quentin? Despite his limited playing time, the 29-year-old outfielder was hit by 23 pitches, tops in the American League.

The Yankees have expressed interest in Danks, and a deal might work if New York agrees to send a combination of young starting pitchers Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos and catcher Jesus Montero to the White Sox.

The Sox would surely need a starter that is close to being ready, considering they also lost Mark Buehrle last week after the free-agent signed with the Miami Marlins.

The White Sox did acquire a promising young arm earlier last week in Nestor Molina, who came over in a trade from Toronto for closer Sergio Santos.

The Red Sox and the Blue Jays also appear to be interested in Danks.

As for Quentin, the Red Sox, Braves and Padres all reportedly have discussed trade packages with Williams.