Chicago White Sox Player Review: John Danks

Sep 9, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

How would you describe the 2014 season of left-handed Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks?

“Roller coaster” is too cliché, but “disappointing” seems to fit just right.

Sep 21, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks (50) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The stats on paper show Danks with an 11-11 overall record in 32 games pitched. He made it to 193.2 innings and had a 4.74 ERA, above his now 4.28 career ERA.

Danks’ season could have been a lot better, but on the other side, sometimes he was let down by the bullpen or didn’t have run support. Either way you look at it, Danks should have had a better season being that he is the highest-paid player on the team.

Of the 106 runs he allowed, 102 were earned. He allowed 25 home runs and walked 74 batters.

In three separate months this season, Danks had an ERA of no less than 5.15.

The month of May he finished with a 1-4 mark in six starts, with an ERA of 5.65. In the 36.2 innings on the mound, he allowed 41 hits (23 ER) and eight home runs.

July was not much better. Yes, he did have a 2-0 record, but the ERA was 5.15 in six starts. In 36.2 innings that month as well, Danks allowed 48 hits and 21 ER. In May he allowed seven home runs.

August was his worst month of the season, with a 6.75 ERA in five starts. He was 0-3, where he allowed 34 hits and 21 ER in 28 innings.

The LHP was brought up during the trade deadline, but that never happened. His pre-All-Star numbers were livable with a 3.99 ERA and 8-6 mark in 19 starts. His post-All-Star numbers were down at 3-5 in 13 starts with a 5.96 ERA in 74 innings.