sager729
03-24-2007, 06:21 PM
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Manager Ozzie Guillen officially named John Danks the White Sox fifth starter on Saturday afternoon, a move decided upon during a morning meeting with his coaching staff and general manager Ken Williams.
Danks actually was called into Guillen's office and found out the news after Guillen had provided the information to the media only minutes after a 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks.
"I thought I was going to the other side," said Danks with a smile, who talked briefly with Guillen and assistant general manager Rick Hahn but thought he might have been reassigned to the Minor League camp. "It's usually not good when you get called in, but I'm excited about it. Now, I have to go out there and do the job."
Over six Cactus League games, including two starts, Danks posted a 2-0 record and 4.32 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. Guillen liked the way Danks attacked the strike zone and appeared almost fearless on the mound, a quality that will be put to the test in Danks' first Major League season.
The 21-year-old from Round Rock, Texas, made just 13 starts and pitched in 14 games overall during his lone Triple-A stop last year with Oklahoma. Danks has one more Cactus League start Wednesday against Arizona at Tucson Electric Park and will make his big-league debut in an afternoon contest at U.S. Cellular Field against the Twins on April 7.
"If I'm not getting the job done, I know they're going to bring in the best option for my spot," Danks said. "But I'm glad to be given the first opportunity. The ball's in my court just like it's been all spring.
"Now, it's time to go out there and get outs," Danks added.
Danks actually was called into Guillen's office and found out the news after Guillen had provided the information to the media only minutes after a 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks.
"I thought I was going to the other side," said Danks with a smile, who talked briefly with Guillen and assistant general manager Rick Hahn but thought he might have been reassigned to the Minor League camp. "It's usually not good when you get called in, but I'm excited about it. Now, I have to go out there and do the job."
Over six Cactus League games, including two starts, Danks posted a 2-0 record and 4.32 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. Guillen liked the way Danks attacked the strike zone and appeared almost fearless on the mound, a quality that will be put to the test in Danks' first Major League season.
The 21-year-old from Round Rock, Texas, made just 13 starts and pitched in 14 games overall during his lone Triple-A stop last year with Oklahoma. Danks has one more Cactus League start Wednesday against Arizona at Tucson Electric Park and will make his big-league debut in an afternoon contest at U.S. Cellular Field against the Twins on April 7.
"If I'm not getting the job done, I know they're going to bring in the best option for my spot," Danks said. "But I'm glad to be given the first opportunity. The ball's in my court just like it's been all spring.
"Now, it's time to go out there and get outs," Danks added.