The new ace of the pitching staff has agreed to a five-year deal worth $65 million, as John Danks has decided to stay with the club and handle responsibility of leading the rotation next Spring for the “Good Guys in Black.”

It wasn’t easy an extension, considering Danks was dangled around in trade rumors by general manager Kenny Williams, who is trying to get cut down (Gavin Floyd, Carlos Quentin) last season’s enormous $130 million payroll.

Danks was acquired by the White Sox in 2006 from Texas in a deal that involved starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy.

The 26-year old native of Austin, selected ninth overall in the 2003 MLB Draft, has compiled a 40-31 record with a 3.61 earned-run average while accumulating more than 200 innings over the past three campaigns.

The move signals Williams’ faith in Danks to overcome last season’s unimpressive, yet rare 8-12 record and subpar 4.33 ERA in the Windy City.