3. John Danks – CWS
Outside of being a southpaw capable of throwing over or near 150 innings in a season, John Danks hasn’t been a reliable starter at the Major League level since 2010. From 2011 onward, Danks has consistently lost equal or more games than he has won and posted an ERA well north of 4.00.
He entered the league as a promising 22-year-old back in 2007. Now 31, you would think some serious offseason training and a push to be more effective in a contract year with the White Sox would be his priority. Changing his repertoire, developing a new pitch, seeking counsel from a private pitching coach… anything. Instead, Danks seems content with mediocrity.
Behind Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon and Mat Latos, the White Sox have one of the nicer rotations in the AL. Danks is the only wart. In April, he went 0-4 with a 7.25 ERA, 6.03 FIP and gave up five home runs, the most by any Southside starter. The opposition also hit .322 against him.
It could be a long road back to the Majors for Danks, as the White Sox pulled the trigger yesterday afternoon and designated him and his $15.75 MM salary for assignment.
Next: Number 2