White Sox, Danks avoid arbitration, agree to 1-year deal
When the White Sox report to their spring training camp in Glendale, Ariz., one month from today, everyone will be under contract.
Starting pitcher John Danks agreed to a one-year, $3.45 million contract Tuesday. He was the Sox' lone player eligible for salary arbitration.
Last season, the 24-year-old Danks was 13-11 with a 3.77 ERA while making $520,000.
In spring training, Danks turned down a four-year, $15.5 million contract extension from the White Sox while rotation mate Gavin Floyd accepted the same deal.
Along with establishing career highs in wins and innings pitched (2001/3) last season, Danks ranked 10th in the American League in ERA and finished fourth among AL left-handers in opponents' batting average (.245).
This season, Danks is expected to follow Jake Peavy, Mark Buehrle and Floyd in the Sox' starting rotation, with Freddy Garcia pitching out of the No. 5 spot.
Staying put: The White Sox announced their entire on-field development staff is returning this season, headed by director of minor-league instruction Buddy Bell.
Minor-league managers Chris Chambliss (Class AAA Charlotte), Ever Magallanes (AA Birmingham) and Joe McEwing (A Winston-Salem) are also returning.
Last season, the Sox' six minor-league teams were a combined 425-346 (.551), the third-best showing among all organizations. Birmingham was 92-47, setting a franchise record for wins.
Back in town: Designated hitter Jim Thome, who is still looking for a job, will be back at U.S. Cellular Field on Wednesday night for a charity party.
Last season, Thome and his wife, Andrea, and Paul Konerko and his wife, Jennifer, established the "Bring Me Home" campaign - which helps raise money and awareness of foster children and families in Illinois.
The event is open only to those who donated to the campaign and received a special invitation.
Roster move: After outrighting catcher Cole Armstrong to Class AAA Charlotte on Tuesday, the Sox' 40-man roster is set at 40. In 69 games with Charlotte last season, Armstrong batted .252 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI.
The White Sox reached a one-year agreement Tuesday with their final player eligible for arbitration. Here's a look at the deal:
John Danks, pitcher ($3.45 million, up from $520,000 in 2009) Stats: 13-11 record with a 3.77 ERA in 32 starts while pitching a career-high 200 1/3 innings.
Sox settled earlier this week with closer Bobby Jenks ($7.5 million), outfielder Carlos Quentin ($3.25 million) and reliever Tony Pena ($1.2 million).