White Sox make Danks' deal official

Nine days after the report first surface, the White Sox made it official and announced the club has signed starting pitcher John Danks to a five-year, $65 million contract through 2016.

The deal was announced Thursday, but early reports of the proposed deal first broke on Dec. 21.

Danks, a 15-game winner in 2010 who fell to 8-12 with a 4.33 ERA last season, will collect $8 million next season, and $14.25 million in each of the final four years of the contract.

It was believed the White Sox had been shopping the 26-year-old left-hander on the trade market, but general manager Kenny Williams apparently didn't like the offers and instead chose to rebuild with Danks after losing veteran Mark Buehrle to the Miami Marlins. Buehrle signed a four-year deal reportedly worth $58 million.

After opening with 2011 season with 8 losses, Danks rebounded from June 6 to Aug. 27 to go 6-1 with a 2.03 ERA. Danks, however, faded in the final month of the season a 2-3 record and a 7.76 ERA.

Danks would have been eligible for free agency after next season.