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Padres' Quentin to audition for 1st base job

Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres are looking for ways to get Carlos Quentin's bat into their revamped lineup, and one scenario involves working him out at a new position for the first time in his career.

Quentin will see time at first base this spring, manager Bud Black confirmed Tuesday, after suggesting the change last week in an effort to reclaim a starting spot on the Padres roster.

"I'm looking forward to that challenge," Quentin said Tuesday, according to Dennis Lin of U-T San Diego. "You're an outfielder your entire career, you do the same thing over and over. I'm excited to do something different."

Not that he has a choice.

Quentin, 32, figures to be the odd man out in a crowded outfield that features new additions Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Matt Kemp. After undergoing three surgeries on his right knee and failing to play 90 games in a season since joining the Padres in 2012, Quentin is eager to provide a return on San Diego's investment.

"A lot of things are up in the air. I think everyone's well aware of that," he said. "Revamped outfield. It's understood by me. I'm a professional, and I understand that my health record has not been good. It's been hard for the Padres to count on it."

Quentin is owed $8 million this season with a mutual option valued at $10 million next year.

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