2009 Chicago White Sox: Starting Rotation

On this Spring Training off-day for the White Sox, I will continue previewing the starting rotation with John Danks.

Going into 2008, questions loomed for this southpaw. Can he pitch another season? Will he do better? Who’s John Danks? After his forgettable 2007 campaign, his first role in the majors, many did not think Danks was the right person to be included in the rotation. 6-13, with an ERA of 5.50 is not a good way to start in your first season and gain the trust of a team. But Kenny Williams saw right through the statistics, and knew what Danks was capable of. And sure enough, 2008 was a great year for the sophomore southpaw.

Danks in Game 163 at the Blackout of the Twins.

Danks finished with an ERA of only 3.32, and had an impressive record of 12-9. One thing that stands out is despite the White Sox poor road record last year, Danks pitches better awayfrom The Cell, with an ERA of  2.92 on the road! Due to his performance last year, he was invited to join the USA World Baseball Classic team, but denied, saying his first priority is the White Sox (what a team player). The 23 year-old handled pressure last year like a veteran, pitching in Game 163 against the Twins. And did I say he allowed zeroruns? Yes, this is what Danks can do on the mound.

What can we expect from Danks this year? I have no crystal ball, but I would be scared of this guy! I think he can do even better with more experience. But let’s wait until 2009, and we’ll all see how Danks will do for the South Siders.

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