Most pitchers would crumble under the pressure of making their major league debut while facing the American League’s best pitcher. But not John Danks. The 21-year-old lefty was solid in his debut for the White Sox at chilly U.S. Cellular Field on Sunday in a 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins. In six innings of work, he committed only one mistake — a three-run home run to AL MVP Justin Morneau in the fourth inning.
What impressed me most about Danks was his unflappability on the mound, even after giving up the homer to Morneau. Without a mound visit by Ozzie Guillen or pitching coach Don Cooper, he settled himself down and went on to retire the final seven hitters he faced. Danks showed he could keep pace with the Twins’ starter, Johann Santana, who was his usual dominant self, striking out nine players en route to his 10th victory in his last 11 decisions against the Sox.
Danks was a first-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers in 2003 whom the Sox acquired this past off season in a trade that sent Brendan McCarthy to the Rangers. Like many Sox fans, I was shocked by the trade, believing that McCarthy would take the place in the starting rotation vacated by Freddie Garcia, who was traded to Philadelphia. But the Sox were very high on Danks, so I was curious to see if he was worth trading away their franchise player.
For comparison’s sake, McCarthy allowed five runs, three earned, in six innings against the Angels in his first start last Wednesday. He is making his second start tonight against the Devil Rays. As the season progresses, Woman’s Eye will keep you posted on the progress of each player.
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