Matt Thornton

2013

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2012

The White Sox handed Thornton a two-year extension worth $12 million just before naming him their closer in March. However, they might want a refund after the way the rest of his season unfolded. A handful of blown saves knocked him from the ninth-inning role before the end of April, and he wrapped up the year with four-year lows in WHIP, K/9IP, BB/9IP, losses, innings and ERA. The K/9IP was still at a respectable 9.50, but that was a far cry from the 12.02 he posted in 2010. He did not lose much velocity on his fastball, but Pitch f/x shows that he had less movement on it. The WHIP and ERA may fall has he regresses from his career-worst .326 BABIP, but it looks like his days as a closer-in-waiting are over, even after the White Sox traded Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays in December.

2011

Thornton continued his ascent into fantasy relevance in 2010. It was his third straight season with 10.0-plus strikeouts per nine innings, but Bobby Jenks' struggles allowed Thornton to take over the closer role at times. He saved eight games in temporary stints in the closer role, and that number could increase in 2011 with Jenks out of the picture depending on the White Sox's plans for Chris Sale.

2010

Thornton had something of a career year in 2009. He went from left-handed specialist to top setup man and struck out 77 in 67 innings, while only walking 19. Despite his proficiencies against lefties, he got righties to whiff pretty often as well. Thornton also got a chance to step into the closer's role when Bobby Jenks was hurt, and he should play a similar role in 2010.

2009

Like a lot of lefty relievers in modern baseball, Thornton gets misused as a specialist despite being effective -- .235/.328/.377 career -- against righties. It kills his fantasy value, because if allowed to throw more complete innings and go more than an inning, he might pick up extra wins and odd saves. As is, he's one of the better set-up men in the AL, and a candidate for saves in a Jenks-free pen.

2008

Hardly anything went right in the White Sox bullpen in 2007 and Thornton was no exception. Looking to build off of his 2006 campaign when he posted a 1.241 WHIP and limited lefties to a .211 batting average, Thornton disappointed with a 1.509 WHIP and a 4.79 ERA as lefties his .283 against him. Thornton's never been a death-on-lefties guy in his career outside of '06 but the Sox will need him to regain that form this season. He'll be back as the primary late-inning option from the left side unless he spits up all over himself in the spring but needs to reign in some of his control issues if he's to take the next step forward.

2007

Thornton was the beneficiary of a roster spot when Dustin Hermanson couldn't make it in the spring. He cut his walk totals down and made himself into a fine major league reliever, allowing just two runs and seven hits over the final 11 appearances (6.2 IP). He's a lefty specialist for now but has the potential to be more, if necessary, since neither righties nor lefties want to face his 98-mph fastball.

2006

In addition to a high-90s fastball, Thornton has a devastating slider -- when it's working. That's been the problem, though. Thornton was once a top prospect in the organization, but his inconsistency at the big-league level has caused headaches for the Mariners. He allowed a baserunner in 48 of his 55 appearances last season, finishing with 57 strikeouts and 42 walks. He is out of minor league options -- that's why he made the club last season -- and the Mariners could just release him if he struggles in spring training.

2005

The Mariners 1998 first-round draft pick, Thornton finally debuted last season. He failed to impress and his season was cut short by shoulder soreness. After a stint in winter ball, the Mariners are convinced Thornton has regained his arm strength. He has a shot to make the bullpen.

2004

Thornton could be the other lefty out of the bullpen after Eddie Guardado this season. His problem is staying healthy. He was coming off Tommy John surgery last season, then developed a neck injury late in the year. He finished with a 3-2 record and a 2.58 ERA in eight starts. The M's expect him to be recovered by spring and have high expectations for the hard-throwing lefty and former first-round draft pick.

2003

Thornton is on the 40-man roster, but will spend the 2003 season in the minors, likely at Triple-A Tacoma.