Danks hopes work leads to fewer walks
The White Sox and Indians wrap up a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field Thursday night. It might take a while.
Justin Masterson starts for Cleveland, and he was tied for the American League lead with 17 walks through Tuesday’s play.
John Danks starts for the Sox, and he was tied for second with 15 walks.
Since he pitches for the local team, let’s keep the focus on Danks.
He learned his craft from Mark Buehrle and developed the same philosophy of pitching — throw strikes and see what happens.
For some reason, Danks has been wild since spring training.
In his last start, a loss to the Red Sox Friday, Danks allowed 7 runs on 6 hits in 5 innings. He was more upset with the 4 walks and vowed to do some tinkering before his outing against the Indians.
“I just worked on some mechanical stuff,” Danks said. “Nothing too major. Obviously, we’ve moved around on the rubber a little bit. But I just have to throw the ball over the plate. That’s kind of the problem I’ve been having.”
Staying on top of all his pitches is critical for Danks.
“I have a tendency to open up and I kind of get on the side of the ball,” he said. “Stay within myself and try not to throw the ball too hard and try to throw it where I’m supposed to throw it. It sounds simple, but it hasn’t been up to this point.”
Danks got off to an 0-8 start last season before getting it turned around. At 2-3 with a 6.23 ERA, the left-hander has actually been worse out of the gates this year.
“I’m not too terribly worried about it just yet,” said Danks, who signed a five-year, $65 million contract extension right before Christmas. “It’s more frustrating than anything.”
Remembering Junior:
White Sox starter Jake Peavy was stunned to hear of Junior Seau’s death on Wednesday.
Peavy got to know the former San Diego Chargers star linebacker when he was pitching for the Padres.
“Sad day,” said Peavy, who saw Seau over the winter. “We all lived up in the same neck of the woods in San Diego. We’d eat and play golf in the same circle of friends and athletes. Obviously, he was a great player, I’m sure he’ll be remembered as that.
“But Junior was a great person, a lot of fun to be around. A happy person. When he walked in the room, it changed. Junior Seau in San Diego was larger than life, as he should have been. It’s just an awful sad day for anyone that got a chance to now him.”
Staying grounded:
Gordon Beckham wasn’t making any All-Star Game plans after Tuesday night’s big game (3-for-4, home run, 2 RBI) against the Indians.
“I had one good game,” said Beckham, who was 0-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base Wednesday. “I know I can hit. I was happy (Tuesday) night. I’m going to continue working the way I’ve been working. Whatever happens at the end of the year is what I worked for and what I deserve. That’s all.”