Sage José Quintana aims for long season with Bucs

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- When Scott “Bones” Bonnett, the Pirates’ clubhouse manager, assigned lockers, there was a method to the madness. Nothing was unintentional. So, when “Bones” was asked whether the placement of José Quintana, a veteran, next to Roansy Contreras, a youngster, was on purpose, he let a wry smile escape.

Quintana, 33, possesses a decade’s worth of experience. For Pittsburgh, a team brimming with youth, Quintana’s mind and knowledge will be just as important as his left arm.

“Having someone like José Quintana in the clubhouse is a blessing because we're able to just get poured into by him all the experiences that he's been able to go through in his career,” Contreras said through team interpreter Mike Gonzalez. “It's something that I lean towards. I ask him for a lot of advice and any wisdom that he has to share.”

If the Pirates don't have the most inexperienced pitching staff in the league, they’re in the running. Pittsburgh’s roster come Opening Day will be brimming with pitchers who have only a handful of innings under their belt. They’re green. They’re new. They’re learning. In that department, Quintana can provide aid.

Quintana remembers being in the position of mentee, first with the White Sox and then with the Cubs. He recalled conversations with Chris Sale, Jake Peavy and Jon Lester, all of whom shared their own tips and tricks. Now that Quintana is in their shoes, he's more than willing to play the role of mentor.

The southpaw certainly has the qualifications. He’s been an All-Star. He’s logged more than 1,500 innings. He’s pitched in the playoffs. There isn’t much he's yet to see, experience. On a team that’s full of players trying to establish themselves, that wealth of knowledge is invaluable.

“One of the things that we tried to identify with José [wasn’t just] on the mound, but who he was in our clubhouse and the leadership that he would provide in terms of conversations,” said manager Derek Shelton. “We’re really happy that we were able to add someone of his caliber and quality of person.”

Added Wil Crowe: “Being able to use him as a sounding board and keep growing as a pitcher, a player and even a person, it’s good to have someone to talk to and have somebody to lean on if you have some questions, or even if you’re just trying to dive in and see what he’s thinking about pitching.”

Quinn Preister, the No. 54 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline, recalled briefly talking with Quintana after the southpaw threw a live batting practice in 2019. The conversation was brief, no longer than a minute. Quintana sheepishly admitted that he does not recall the interaction. For Priester, the opportunity to chat with a former All-Star became a core memory.

“Now to be sharing a locker room with him, it’s pretty neat to be able to see those things come around,” Priester said. “Right now, what he means for me is just to watch how he operates day to day, his routines and what can I pick up there.”

Quintana is a strong candidate for the rotation and he will receive plenty of starts, at least at the season’s beginning. In Pittsburgh, he’ll have the opportunity to reclaim some stability.

The past two seasons haven’t been kind to Quintana. In the pandemic-shortened 2020, the southpaw was limited to 10 uneventful innings with the Cubs after undergoing microscopic surgery to repair a nerve that he lacerated while washing dishes. The next season wasn’t any easier.

Following his time in Chicago, Quintana signed a one-year deal with the Angels and began 2021 in the rotation. Through nine starts, Quintana had an ERA north of 7.00. He hit the injured list in late May. Upon returning, he was demoted. In late August he was designated for assignment. The Giants claimed Quintana off waivers, then designated him for assignment less than a month later. Two seasons. Three teams. Two DFAs. Now back in the NL Central, Quintana seeks a reversal of fortune.

There’s no knowing how long he’ll be with the Pirates. He could be dealt at the Trade Deadline for a prospect if he performs well. If he struggles, there’s the real possibility that he could, again, be designated for assignment. In the here and now, though, Quintana has a clean slate. He’s with a new, rebuilding organization, one whose players value his input. He’ll have a chance to recapture the success from his prime years, and educate the next generation along the way.

“I’ve learned a lot from this game,” Quintana said. “I always compared baseball to life. You learn a lot from your teammates, from the game. Every day is a good day to learn something new."