A John Danks Christmas

The news this morning that the White Sox have signed John Danks to a five-year, $65 million contract took me–and I’m sure many Sox fans–by surprise.

All we’ve been hearing during this offseason is that Danks, Carlos Quentin, Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton were likely to be dealt to lower the payroll. So, Danks’ return to the South Side, as pleasant a surprise as it was, came out of nowhere.

The Danks signing signals a positive step in a hot stove period that has been confusing to Sox fans. Let’s face it, none of the three main Sox moves made–this one, the naming of Robin Ventura as manager and the trade of Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays for hot pitching prospect Nestor Molina–were expected. Now, at least, with Mark Buehrle gone, Danks will anchor a rotation that  currently includes Floyd, Jake Peavy, Chris Sale and Philip Humber/Zach Stewart. Certainly talented enough to compete in the A.L. Central.

There’s undoubtedly more on Kenny Williams‘ “To Do” list. Floyd, Quentin and Thornton still could be moved. And based on what we’ve seen so far, key trades and signings could continue to come out of nowhere.

So, fellow Sox rooters, when you least expect it, expect it.