White Sox Pick Up Options On Matt Thornton and Ramon Castro, Release Carlos Torres

The White Sox guaranteed that there will be one less bullpen vacancy next season by picking up the option on All-Star reliever Matt Thornton. It was known ever since the season ended that the White Sox would pick up the option on Thornton due to the stellar year he had. Not only was Thornton an All-Star, but he lead all AL relievers in strikeouts and in strikeouts per nine innings. Thornton was also eight in both holds and strikeout-to-walk ratio. Thornton is one of the best, if not the best, left handed relievers in the game today, and this was a great decision made by the White Sox.

The White Sox also picked up the option on backup catcher Ramon Castro. Castro had a great year from his backup position, and gave the White Sox a little power off the bench. In just 37 games, he hit .278 with eight home runs and 21 RBI. Castro will likely come back as a backup once again, but could possibly get a shot at a starting job if A.J. Pierzynski is not resigned.

The White Sox have also released pitcher Carlos Torres. Torres made five appearances this season, including one start, for the White Sox. He didn’t pitch all that well, and it seemed pretty clear that he wasn’t comfortable in the majors. His release was granted so that he could pursue a chance to pitch in Asia.