Danks already could be doing better
GLENDALE, Ariz.— As fifth starters go, the White Sox could do a lot worse than the serviceable John Danks.
As highest-paid pitchers go, they could do better, and therein lies a source of frustration for fans, many of whom surely rolled their eyes upon hearing that Danks got hit around for three runs in the first two innings of the Sox’ Cactus League opener Thursday.
‘‘I’d be lying to you if I said it hasn’t been frustrating the last couple of years. That’s a given,’’ Danks said after throwing 45 pitches in a 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. ‘‘But I’m not the first guy to have to make some adjustments. I feel like I can do better than I have the last couple years, and have shown flashes in the second half in general last year. If I can roll that into this year, make the adjustments we’re hoping to make, I think my struggles will be something of the past.’’
To become less predictable, Danks might vary pitch selection in certain counts and situations. His ERA in the 4.70s in each of his last three seasons was a full run higher than the ERAs he posted from 2008 to 2010— numbers that helped him earn a five-year, $65 million contract that runs out at the end of the season.
There seems to be little reason to be alarmed over a two-inning outing on March 3. If anything, it suggests Danks will continue to be who he has been since surgery on his throwing shoulder in 2012.
‘‘The best way to describe it is testing the water, getting back out there, getting comfortable on the mound and see what you need to work on,’’ Danks said after his outing. ‘‘I feel fine. Definitely not nearly as sharp as I’d like to be, but I don’t think anybody is at this point. I feel like I’m on pace for where I need to be.’’
Danks gave up RBI singles to Yasiel Puig and Yasmani Grandal in the first inning and a homer to Alex Guerrero in the second. He allowed four hits, walked one and struck out one.
‘‘He made some mistakes and paid for them,’’ Sox manager Robin Ventura said.
This and that
High-energy newcomer Brett Lawrie, who drew 28 walks last season, showed patience and walked twice Thursday.
‘‘Personality-wise, it doesn’t fit, but I think that’s something he has to improve on in his game, and I think he will,’’ Ventura said. ‘‘If you look at him and meet him, it doesn’t go hand in hand, so it’s nice to see.’’
◆ Kameron Loe, a 34-year-old right-hander who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2013, was signed to a minor-league deal and sent to minor-league camp.
◆ Individual 2016 tickets to Sox home games go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday at whitesox.com and the U.S. Cellular Field ticket office or by calling 866-SOX-GAME.
◆ The Sox again will offer each member of the Chicago fire and police departments two free tickets, from a list of 15 games, beginningMonday at their ticket office. Department identification and badges are required to claim the tickets. The deadline is May 13.
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