As I wrote last Saturday, John Danks has without a doubt been the White Sox' best big game pitcher since last October. He outdueled Nick Blackburn to win the one-game playoff for the AL Central crown, then became the only Sox pitcher to earn a 'W' in the ALDS against the Rays. And so far this season, he's beaten the Angels, Twinkies, Rays, Cubs (twice) and Yankees. Danks is 4-1 with a 3.08 ERA in his last six starts and he's allowed more than three runs only twice his last nine outings. Thursday, the southpaw gets the call again as the South Siders look to continue their torrid pace at home. Chicago has won 10 of 13 games at Comiskey Park including series wins against Baltimore, Tampa Bay and New York. The Sox have had great success against the Halos, having won 5 of 6 this year against L.A. and the Angels are 1-4 their last 5 games in the Windy City. Ervin Santana (3-6, 7.31) toes the rubber for Los Angeles and he's been mediocre to say the least. The once promising right-hander has struggled immensely as of late, posting an 0-1 record with a 10.24 ERA and 1.86 WHIP his last two starts. He's allowed 16 runs his last three starts against the Twins and Royals, two teams that aren't exactly known for their offensive prowess. I don't like Santana's chance in the matinee against the white-hot Chicago bats as the White Sox have plated 40 runs over the last five games. I'm very confident that Danks will rise to the occasion in the finale, just as he's done all season long when the Sox have called his number in big spots.
Sam Clayton 8/6
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