Veteran left-hander John Danks is aiming for a comeback in 2017, tweets FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman. The 31-year-old was released by the White Sox back in May after a woeful start to the season, but if he’s healthy, it’s easy enough to envision several clubs having interest on a low-cost deal.
Danks once looked to be a potential building block for the White Sox’ rotation, pitching to a 3.77 ERA with 7.0 K/9 against 2.8 BB/9 in 778 2/3 innings from 2008-11 (in Chicago’s homer-friendly home park, no less). However, he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery early in the 2012 campaign, and the former No. 9 overall draft pick hasn’t looked the same since returning from that operation. Danks was at least able to eat up some innings from 2013-15, but he posted an ERA between 4.71 and 4.75 in each of those three seasons before turning in a 7.25 ERA in his first 22 1/3 innings in 2016.
Chicago was understandably reluctant to cut the cord on Danks even after his shoulder troubles led to deteriorated performance, as doing so would’ve meant biting the bullet and eating the remaining money on Danks’ five-year, $65MM contract extension, which he signed prior to the same 2012 season during which he underwent shoulder surgery. That pact came to an end this season, and the Sox cut ties with Danks (and Mat Latos shortly thereafter) as they looked to capitalize on a strong start to the season that ultimately proved unsustainable.
Whether Danks can return to his ways as even an effective innings eater remains to be seen, but there was some obvious cause for concern in 2016. Danks averaged just 87.1 mph on his heater in his limited action in 2016, which is more than two miles per hour below the 89.4 mph he averaged in 2015 and more than four miles per hour south of the 91.7 mph he averaged in his 2010-11 peak. Nearly a full season’s worth of rest may do his shoulder some good, and at 31 he’s still young enough to believe that a rebound can take place, but Danks will almost certainly have to earn a rotation spot come Spring Training.
He really has been just plain bad at pitching since 2012, posting very poor FIPs each year since then. The only team he makes sense on is in the Pirates system (minor league deal), maybe they can work some magic and re-do his mechanics or something. Really hope no one gives him a MLB deal based on him being overpaid by the White Sox for years.
He should provide some competition for Jared Weaver for teams looking for a really bad pitcher with no fastball. I hear the Ducks are looking for a batting practice pitcher.
I wouldn’t mind Houston doing a Spring Training invite for him, but this has Angels written all over it.
You misspelled Orioles.
This has Dan Duquette written all over it.
His days as a Starter are probably over. However he should be able to gain a few mph as a left specialist outa the pen which would go nicely with his breakin ball.
I see lots interest in him as a potential bullpen guy on a cheap contract. Low risk and potential for high reward.
I say Jays. Shapiro looks for these type of signings
I agree about his days has a starter is over but he’ll be worth it to take a flyer on to see if a team can catch lightening in the bottle with him
Definitely worth taking a chance for bullpen / spot start. I will guess cubs – I think Hoyer said a few days ago they were thinking outside the box about the bullpen and possibly going for ex starter.. He could replace Wood although I would rather they keep Wood
Matt Shoemaker makes sense for the Cubs, and moves Montgomery back to the pen, initially. The Halos have ‘a few weaknesses in their roster’.
His left/right splits are basically equal, I don’t see any LH speciality work unless he changes arm angles. He doesn’t spin the ball very well.
Iam game to trade shoemaker for some prospects Like I said we can trade Mike trout and get 5 for 1 and hail If 3 of the 5 turn out to be good I be happy with that I’m a true angles fan .we can’t keep put guy that can’t hit at aa I really feel bad for Mike he in his prime and he wast it here come on make the deal
The only teams I could see inviting him to Spring Training on a minors deal would be the Angels or the Marlins.