Rongey: Liriano not a game-changer like Greinke

Q: What's your impression of the Francisco Liriano deal?

A: My first thought was that I didn't see that particular move happening, though I'll admit his name came up in a discussion I was having with co-workers just the day before.

I don't believe Liriano is a game-changer in the way that someone like Zack Greinke would be. A pitcher like Greinke would be like adding another Jake Peavy: a guy that has a better likelihood of giving his team a chance to win on a more regular basis — an ace, if you will.

But Liriano has shown in the past he can be dominant at times.

You'll look at his overall numbers and likely be underwhelmed by his 5.31 ERA in 2012, but a closer look at his last 11 starts since rejoining the Twins' rotation shows he's been solid in every start — with the exception of his last time out against the Sox last week.

Solid is what the White Sox need.

The bottom line is that it has terrific potential to be a significant help to a rotation that features a couple of guys (Peavy, Chris Sale) that could use some additional rest as the season goes on.

The downside is that they lose a decent utility player in Eduardo Escobar.

Though some part-time, all-position players are certainly better than others, one can usually be replaced with relative ease.

In the case of the White Sox, the value of adding some rotation depth is much greater than having a solid utility guy.

However, this does bring me to one issue about which I have concern: the use — or non-use — of the bench.

In years past, I've heard from a number of fans that have lamented former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen's frequent use of the backup players and habitually changing lineups.

In my opinion, that was never a problem.

In fact, I always thought it gave them a good chance to win since a lineup that is healthy and fresh in September is in suitable position to compete.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura's philosophy has been to go with his best as often as possible. To this point, it has most definitely worked as the White Sox have enjoyed being in first place for most of the year.

Q: Do you think John Danks is going to pitch for the Sox again this season?

A: As the days go by, the likelihood he's done for the season becomes greater.

Obviously, this has been a frustrating year for him as he's been unable to participate in most of it, and the rehabilitation isn't happening at nearly the pace he was hoping.

Danks is an appreciated member of the Sox rotation and I believe the acquisition of Liriano was executed, in part, because of the acknowledgement that Danks just may not be able to contribute for a while longer, if not the rest of 2012.

Hopefully, he'll be able to make a comeback by September and give the team a problem of the best kind: too much pitching.

Ÿ Chris Rongey is the host of the White Sox pregame and postgame shows on WSCR 670-AM The Score. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRongey and at chrisrongey.comquestions;mailto:cubsquestions%40dailyherald.com?subject=Reader%20question[URL] each week via our online link.[/URL]