If John Danks' see-saw career can stay on the see-side, he might get a look at the majors.
In 2003, Danks dominated rookie level Arizona League baseball before being promoted to short season Spokane. While with the Arizona Rangers, he was virtually unhittable with an 0.69 ERA and 22 strikeouts in only 13 innings pitched.
His promotion to the Spokane Indians saw John struggle a bit. Danks gave up an earned run per every inning he pitched for a record of 0-2 in 12 innings pitched. His strikeout-to-innings ratio also decreased.
A solid Spring put him back on track, and in 2004 Danks was promoted to the High season Class A Stockton Ports. The 19-year-old pitcher was shelled by the more experienced and seasoned players in the California League. His ERA soared to 5.24 and he averaged a total of 10 hits per inning.
Still very young, and in need of a bit of relief, Danks was assigned to the single A Midwest League with the Burlington Rangers, where he experienced a turnaround.
Danks’ strikeout-to-innings ratio increased to 64 strikeouts in 49 innings. In addition, he also was able to reduce his hits per nine innings to under seven per.
Returning to the California League in 2005, Danks delivered completely different results. His ERA dropped to 2.50 with 53 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched before his promotion to the AA Texas League. His Texas League numbers rose, with his ERA doubling to 5.49 and ending the season with 85 strikeouts in 98 innings worth of work.
This year, has 41 strikeouts in 39 innings worth of work and a 5.90 ERA.
Danks continues his up-and-down climb to the big leagues. Age and optimism have largely been his problem. On a little good news on entry, he's been trying to live up to it ever since. He has the capability, but he needs a better hand at guiding his career a bit more slowly and steadily. He is capable of more, something that he'll need to demonstrate more clearly to take his game up to Arlington levels.
- Jay BLASCO
