AAP: John Danks

[DBAHO]

I'm all over this one;

 

John Danks

 

Pos: SP

DoB: 04/05/85

Ht: 6'2"

Wt: 190

Bats: L

Throws: L

 

 

John was the 9th pick in the 2003 draft by the Rangers. Had a 0.69 ERA in 5 games in rookie ball that year.

2004 saw him start in low A ball with a 2.17 ERA in 14 games, with a 64/14 K/BB ratio. He then moved onto high A ball and had a 5.24 ERA in 13GS with a 48/26 K/BB ratio.

 

2005 he repeated a high A with a 2.50 ERA in 10GS with a 53/16 K/BB ratio. He moved up to AA ball and had a 5.49 ERA in 18 games with a 85/34 K/BB ratio.

 

This year, John repeated AA and had a 4.15 ERA in 13GS with a 82/22 K/BB ratio. He then moved up to AAA and had a 4.33 ERA in 14 games with a 72/34 K/BB ratio.

 

Some tidbits on him;

 

Sickels;

3) John Danks, LHP, B+

Combined 7-6, 4.23 in 17 starts between Oklahoma and Double-A Frisco, 101/32 K/BB in 89 innings. Still erratic but very promising.

 

John Danks, Rangers, 9th overall (University of Texas)

FIRST ROUNDER?: Not sure. His arm strength is first-class, but his pro track record is somewhat erratic. This year he is 4-4, 4.55 in Double-A, although his 72/18 K/BB in 57 innings is very impressive. I think he'd definitely be a first rounder but would that be early in the round or late?

 

 

Most Valuable Network (mid 2006);

Danks impressed the Rangers in spring training this season, allowing just two runs and four hits in six big league innings. Though he has struggled some this season and last season in AA ball, keep in mind that the Rangers were holding back his curveball in order to further develop his fastball and changeup. Danks’ curveball is his best pitch, and he isn’t allowed to throw it more than a few times per game in the Texas League. A similar approach was used with Chris Young, who put up rather mediocre statistics in AA and then dominated AAA ball.

 

As was said, Danks’ best pitch is his curveball and his changeup is coming along just fine. Even though he’s done most of his work in AA on a 90-92 MPH fastball and developing changeup, he has still been able to strike out hitters at a fairly decent rate.

 

This season, Danks struggled out of the gate in April. But he was able to get on track in May, holding hitters to a .190 batting average and striking out 14.12 batters per nine innings. On the season as a whole, Danks has fanned 62 in 44.1 innings while walking just 17. One concern, however, is his tendency to leave his fastball up in the zone. This has led to ten home runs allowed in those nine starts.

 

The Future

Danks is only 21 years old and has plenty of time to develop, so the Rangers are going to do whatever they can to make sure they don’t rush him. He will almost certainly pitch at the AA level for the majority of the year, but don’t be surprised if Danks gets a September callup, as he must be added to the 40-man roster after the season to be protected for the Rule 5 draft anyway.

 

Danks’ potential is probably not ace-level, but more as a #2-#3 pitcher in the rotation, which the Rangers could certainly use. Especially as a left handed pitcher.

 

 

John Danks, LHP: The Rangers First round pick from the 2003 draft could benefit from another season in AAA-Oklahoma, but if the team decides they need him at the big league level, he shouldn’t disappoint. Danks, 21, sports a plus curveball, a low 90’s fastball with good movement, and a run of the mill changeup. His 2006 strikeout ratio was solid in AA-Frisco and AAA-Oklahoma, as he totaled 154 strikeouts in 140 innings, but Danks likely won’t develop into a top-tier starter - he projects more as a No. 2 or No. 3. Still, in a system historically devoid of pitching, that’s not something to scoff at.

 

John Danks (AAA-Oklahoma) – A crafty lefty that has solid stuff. He’s got two good breaking pitches, a good enough fastball to compliment them, and the possible makings of a decent changeup. He’ll be a great starter and is projected to be a number two or three. Danks isn’t expected to be a factor in the rotation until 2008.

 

John's expected to compete for the 5th starter's job, but it's more likely we see him starting the season down in Charlotte's rotation I'd imagine. Could see him in mid 2007 though, definitely ready in 2008.

[danman31]

That makes 6 AAPs for you, stop hogging.

[DBAHO]

That makes 6 AAPs for you, stop hogging.

Well Sierra got cut, so it's actually 5 now.

[GoodAsGould]

lol this was going to be the first AAP i was going to try and grab but ill let the aussie have it.

[hammerhead johnson]

I'm all over this one;

 

DBAHO, you're pissing off danman.

[danman31]

DBAHO, you're pissing off danman.

Far from, but I was looking for a 2nd AAP and at this rate he's going to take any good ones available.

[DBAHO]

Far from, but I was looking for a 2nd AAP and at this rate he's going to take any good ones available.

You can have any of mine not named Danks or Egbert if that's any consolation.

[Heads22]

You can have any of mine not named Danks or Egbert if that's any consolation.

 

I don't even know if I want to let you on the Eggy bandwagon...

[DBAHO]

I don't even know if I want to let you on the Eggy bandwagon...

You jumped on after me anyways, so it's means nada.