Brushing up on Jose Quintana

The White Sox signed LHP Jose Quintana as a minor league free agent this offseason. Quintana was originally signed out of Colombia by the Mets in 2006 as a 17 year old and spent one season with their Venezuelan Summer League affiliate. Quintana did not pitch in 2007, at least in part because he was serving a 50 game suspension for violating Minor League Baseball's drug policy.

The Mets released him at the conclusion of his suspension and the Yankees signed him in 2008. He spent four seasons in the Yankees organization, never pitching above High-A. After the Yankees did not add him to their 40 man roster this past offseason, he became a minor league free agent for a second time. This time, he chose not to re-sign with the Yankees.

Quintana's fastball is usually between 88-91 MPH and tends to be straight. He relies on a solid curveball and also throws a decent changeup. Though not overpowering, he has good command of his pitches and throws strikes from his somewhat deceptive three-quarters delivery. Per usual, the lefty is tougher on left-handed hitting.

Quintana impressed the White Sox coaching staff during spring training so his call-up isn't a complete surprise, particularly considering the other uninspiring options. Quintana will likely only see action if the game is out of hand.