By Mark GonzalesJohn Danks will find out Tuesday if he and the White Sox are close to reaching a deal when salary-arbitration numbers are released.
But a bigger date awaits Danks on Wednesday when he is scheduled to be examined by team doctors in Chicago with the expectation that the circulatory problems in his left index finger are in the distant past.
"I don't anticipate any problems," Danks said Monday after a workout.
The investment in Danks is greater to the Sox than what he will receive in 2010, which could exceed Carlos Quentin's $3.2 million salary. Danks, 24, won't be eligible to become a free agent until after the 2012 season. He became the third pitcher in franchise history to make at least 25 starts in his first three major-league seasons and last year limited opponents to a .245 batting average -- fourth lowest among American League left-handers.
Photo: John Danks is excited about this coming season and not focused on his contract. (Ann Heisenfelt/AP)
He did so last year despite missing a start because of circulatory
problems that caused his finger to turn discolored and raised fears
that it was similar to the woes that hindered David Cone, who was
diagnosed with an aneurysm in his right arm and missed most of the 1996 season with the New York Yankees.
On the advice of doctors, Danks gave up chewing tobacco about the same time teammate Mark Buehrle threw his perfect game on July 23. Before throwing the first pitch of his masterpiece (with Danks resting at home), Buehrle jokingly dug Danks' initials into the mound.
But surrendering a tobacco habit was a more serious matter, and Danks hasn't succumbed to taking a dip.
"No withdrawals at all," said Danks, who is approaching his six-month smokeless anniversary.
Wednesday will be the first time since early November that Danks will be examined by doctors, who told him after the examination that they were surprised at the progress he made.
And with an expected clean bill of health, being part of a top-notch rotation with the addition of Jake Peavy late last year and a substantial raise, Danks has a greater appreciation.
"It could have been a bad deal," Danks said. "I'm glad that (the finger problem) was taken care of. I'm not worried about the contract. These are exciting times, with great expectations and rightfully so."
On the advice of doctors, Danks gave up chewing tobacco about the same time teammate Mark Buehrle threw his perfect game on July 23. Before throwing the first pitch of his masterpiece (with Danks resting at home), Buehrle jokingly dug Danks' initials into the mound.
But surrendering a tobacco habit was a more serious matter, and Danks hasn't succumbed to taking a dip.
"No withdrawals at all," said Danks, who is approaching his six-month smokeless anniversary.
Wednesday will be the first time since early November that Danks will be examined by doctors, who told him after the examination that they were surprised at the progress he made.
And with an expected clean bill of health, being part of a top-notch rotation with the addition of Jake Peavy late last year and a substantial raise, Danks has a greater appreciation.
"It could have been a bad deal," Danks said. "I'm glad that (the finger problem) was taken care of. I'm not worried about the contract. These are exciting times, with great expectations and rightfully so."
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The lungs agree. The cells of the body do not. Tobaccoless is so important. Nellie looks down from above and smiles!
"No withdrawals at all," said Danks, who is approaching his six-month smokeless anniversary.
ummmmm.... isn't "chew tobacco" smokless anyway?? lol