2011 MLB Trade Rumors: White Sox Shopping Matt Thornton

Earlier in the week it was reported that clubs had been calling the Cubs and White Sox to inquire about their reliever’s availability, but it appears the White Sox are making some calls of their own as well.  Buster Olney of ESPN reported yesterday that the White Sox have been trying to trade reliever Matt Thornton since July and are still making efforts to move the left-hander.  Phil Rodgers of the Chicago Tribune hears that the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Cardinals and Brewers have all been “tracking Thornton’s availability”.

Entering 2011, Thornton had been one of Chicago’s best relievers over the past several seasons.  The lefty was selected to represent the American League in the 2010 All-Star game and finished the year with a 2.67 ERA and WHIP of 1.005 over his 60 2/3 innings.

Last season Thornton, and most of the White Sox pen, got off to a rocky start.  After surrendering eight earned runs over his first 8 1/3 innings of work, Thornton rebounded nicely from May to July, lowering his ERA to 3.25.  The 35-year-old finished the season with an earned run average of 3.32 and 1.358 WHIP.

Thornton will receive $11 million in 2012-13 and the White Sox hold a $6 million team option for the 2014 season including a $1 million buyout.

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