ALCS notes: Quinlan makes most of shot in limelight
October 13, 2005
Joe Christensen
Minneapolis Star Tribune
CHICAGO -- Game 2 of the American League Championship Series turned into a surprising showcase for Minnesota native Robb Quinlan.
With the Los Angeles Angels using their specialized lineup for lefthanded pitchers, Quinlan got the start at third base, and the former Hill Murray and Gophers star made the most of it.
In the second inning, Quinlan made a big defensive play to prevent Aaron Rowand from going all the way around the bases for the Chicago White Sox. Quinlan retrieved Vladimir Guerrero's throw in foul territory and fired home in time to nab Rowand at the plate.
Then in the fifth inning, Quinlan hit a home run off White Sox lefty Mark Buehrle, tying the score 1-1.
Quinlan, 28, was the Big Ten's player of the year in 1999, and the Angels made him their 10th-round pick in that draft. His older brother Tom Quinlan played third base for Toronto, Philadelphia and the Twins.
Robb Quinlan's previous start this postseason came against New York Yankees lefty Randy Johnson in Game 3 of the Division Series, and Quinlan went 1-for2.
The versatile Chone Figgins has been starting at third base against righthanders, but manager Mike Scioscia moved Figgins to center field Wednesday, making room for Quinlan.
After losing Troy Glaus to free agency, the Angels entered the season with promising rookie Dallas McPherson at third base. But McPherson went down with a hip injury, and Quinlan finished the year batting .231 with five home runs and 14 RBI in 54 games.
Bad news for Colon
The results of an MRI exam for Angels pitcher Bartolo Colon showed a strain in the back of his right shoulder, and he's likely done for the season.
Colon was left off the ALCS roster after the shoulder pain proved too much in Game 5 against the Yankees on Monday.
He went 21-8 with a 3.48 ERA this year, becoming a leading candidate for the Cy Young Award.
A plea to keep Konerko
Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko could become one of the most coveted players on the free-agent market unless his team decides to keep him.
"To me, this kid is my leader," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "The kid does everything in his power for us to be what we are, on the field and off the field. I will do anything and [General Manager] Ken Williams will do anything to keep Konerko here.
"There's nothing negative to say about him. When I got this job, people said he wasn't good in the clubhouse. . . . I've got the job for two years, and he's the best thing I have."
Finally, a day of rest
The Angels are taking today off, skipping the usual off-day workout so they can have a full day to rest at home before playing Game 3 on Friday in Anaheim.
The White Sox will work out this afternoon at Angel Stadium.
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