White Sox commit 5 years, $65M US to Danks
White Sox might try to rebuild around pitcher after fellow lefty Buehrle signed with Marlins
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John Danks relishes his new responsibility as the Chicago White Sox ace.
He says he just can't shoulder the load alone.
"I'm a confident guy and I'm being counted on to win," Danks said Thursday after agreeing to a five-year, $65 million US contract through 2016. "I think of myself as a big piece, but it's going to take the whole staff to perform well."
The White Sox finished 79-83 last season, Ozzie Guillen was released from his contract near the end of the year. Robin Ventura, in his first manager's job, has a team that is expected to trim its payroll of $127 million from a year ago.
Earlier this month, Ventura outlined a wish list that included 30-plus starts from Danks and Gavin Floyd.
But even with Danks secured — at least for the start of the season — White Sox pitching is likely to be in flux for a while. Ace Mark Buehrle signed with Guillen in Miami, and closer Sergio Santos was traded to Toronto, perhaps hurting plans to bring Chris Sale into Chicago's rotation.
At least Danks is in hand. The 26-year-old left-hander will earn $8 million next season and $14.25 million in each of the final four years of the contract. Danks, who would have been eligible for free agency after next season, said deal came as a surprise and was quickly concluded.
'Thrilled to death'
"It really did come out of nowhere," he said. "It went fairly quickly, it's exciting and I'm thrilled to death."
A 15-game winner in 2010, he slumped last season and was 8-12 with a 4.33 earned-run average. White Sox general manager Ken Williams praised Danks' work ethic, loyalty and leadership qualities.
"He's as durable as they come," Williams said. "He wants the ball every time out and gives you everything that he's got. On top of it, he's a great teammate and a good guy and one of the leaders of our team that I think will grow into even more of a leadership role."
Williams said Danks's signing means the White Sox will do some, but not wholesale, rebuilding for 2012.
"We are still in win mode," he said. "But at the same time you're in win mode you can be in a little bit of a rebuilding phase."
Danks reportedly was on the trade market after last season.
"We entered the winter meetings looking at all options," Williams said. "We weren't going to give John Danks away. The only way we were going to move any of our impact players is if we got impact players back."