Texas Exploring Pitching Options

The Texas Rangers aren’t sitting back and waiting while the market for C.J. Wilson develops. Instead they’re out calling other teams and seeing what’s available for trade. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Rangers have recently contacted the Chicago White Sox about John Danks, a former Rangers farmhand.

The Rangers are working diligently to evaluate the available left-handed starters, a major-league source said Friday. One name that’s high on their list: Chicago White Sox southpaw John Danks, who began his career in the Texas organization. The White Sox are trying to move payroll, and Danks is a prime candidate to be dealt. (Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports)

While John Danks is obviously no C.J. Wilson it’s not a horrible alternative. Danks had an off year in 2011 going 8-12 with a 4.33 ERA over 27 starts. His career ERA is 4.03 but that’s mainly because of a horrendous rookie season. Throughout his career he’s been a very solid lefty starter he’s had an ERA of 3.32, 3.77, 3.32 from 2008-10, while giving the White Sox about 200 innings pitched each year.

So basically he’s proven he can be a top end of the rotation guy, maybe not your ace but is C.J. Wilson really ace material??

If I were the Rangers I’d actually consider this option more then giving Wilson a big deal. Danks is only 26 and due to make $6 million in 2011 and is arbitration eligible in 2012. Basically, he’ll be a cheap alternative with not much of a drop in production that would allow the Rangers to free up payroll to spend elsewhere.

With the White Sox in full rebuild mode and looking to cut payroll it shouldn’t cost them much either.

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Tags: Chicago White Sox, CJ Wilson, John Danks, MLB, Texas Rangers