Matt Thornton Named White Sox Closer

It came a little earlier than anticipated, but Matt Thornton has been named the White Sox closer to start the season.

The 34-year-old lefty had a career-high 12 k/9 last season to go with eight saves and a 2.67 earned run average in 61 appearances. He was also named to his first All-Star team.

Thornton takes over the role held by Bobby Jenks since the end of the 2005 season, when Jenks, then a rookie, helped his team to a World Series title.