White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told Peter Gammons that Matt Thornton has "first dibs" on the ninth inning gig.

Big news. The White Sox had been running a competition this spring between Thornton and youngster Chris Sale. And it appears that we now have our winner. Thornton, 34, has averaged a 2.70 ERA and 11.0 K/9 over the last three seasons as a setup man and should do very well in save situations now that the responsibility is his. Sale will be there to handle the gig should Thornton falter.

White Sox and Matt Thornton agreed to a two-year contract extension with a club option for 2014.

This deal won't affect the $3 million owed Thornton this season, after the White Sox exercised his 2011 option. Thornton's new deal will pay him $5.5 million annually in 2012 and 2013, while the 2014 club option is worth $6 million with a $1 million buyout. Thornton has posted a 2.70 ERA and 11.0 K/9 rate over the last three seasons as one of baseball's best setup men. With the money being thrown at relievers of a lesser caliber this offseason, Chicago looks smart in being proactive to keep Thornton off the market for the foreseeable future.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen would prefer to use Matt Thornton in the closer role but said he'll take his time in making a decision.

The Sox will use Chris Sale out of the bullpen, but it sounds like Oz would feel more comfortable entrusting the ninth inning to a veteran. Thornton has posted a 2.70 ERA and 11.0 K/9 rate over the last three seasons as one of baseball's best setup men. We couldn't fault the Sox for going wither either left-hander, but Thornton has already proved he can be an elite reliever and the transition to closer, assuming he does indeed win the job, should be a smooth one.

Scott Merkin of MLB.com writes that Matt Thornton is the early favorite to be the closer for the White Sox this season.

Our guess, as well. Thornton has a cool 2.70 ERA over the last three seasons and has averaged 11.0 K/9 in the process, so he could have immense fantasy value in the closer role. 2010 first-round pick Chris Sale is still in the mix, but the White Sox could move him to the starting rotation, at least until Jake Peavy is ready to return. Keep a close eye on this situation in the coming weeks.

White Sox GM Kenny Williams indicated Thursday that Matt Thornton could open the 2011 season at closer.

The White Sox non-tendered Bobby Jenks this week and are not expected to attempt to re-sign him. Thornton has always been one of the top setup men in the game and would almost certainly do well in the ninth inning. He posted a 2.67 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 81 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings this year.

White Sox exercised LHP Matt Thornton's $3 million option for 2011.

Probably an easy decision. Thornton, 34, is one of the best setup men in the game and would have commanded more than $3 million on the open market, even in a bad economy. The southpaw posted a 2.67 ERA and 1.01 WHIP this past season, striking out 81 batters in only 60 2/3 innings of work.

Matt Thornton threw two shutout innings to pick up a save against the Angels on Sunday.

Thornton was his usual excellent self while striking out three and not allowing a baserunner. Chris Sale has been getting most of the save chances on the odd day that the White Sox win a game. However, Thornton may well get to steal a save or two with Bobby Jenks likely not returning this season. Those in desperate need for saves can take a flier on Thornton for the final week.

White Sox activated LHP Matt Thornton from the 15-day disabled list.

Thornton will go right back into high-pressure situations late in games after missing 16 days with elbow inflammation.

Matt Thornton (forearm) declared himself ready to return from the disabled list after completing a successful simulated game Wednesday.

The White Sox have an off-day scheduled for Thursday, so Thornton will return Friday. "Any time you have two of your main bullpen pieces go down this time of year, it's tough for those other guys to eat those innings,'' said Thornton. "I get back this weekend and J.J. is right behind me, we'll get back to full strength and back to what we're doing before." Thornton has been sidelined for the past two weeks due to left elbow inflammation.

Matt Thornton (forearm) reported no problems during a bullpen session Monday.

We'll know for sure after he throws a simulated game Wednesday, but he is expected to return for a critical series against the Red Sox this weekend. Thornton hasn't pitched since since August 17 due to left elbow inflammation.

Matt Thornton (forearm) played a light game of catch Sunday.

"I was getting after it pretty good, and everything feels good," Thornton said. "No problems at all." The left-handed setup man was placed on the disabled list retroactive to August 18 and is aiming to return on Friday, when the White Sox begin a major series against the Red Sox.

White Sox placed RHP Matt Thornton on 15-day disabled list, backdated to August 18th, with a sore forearm.

Thornton may not actually miss much time since he's already been out a week, and an MRI showed no structural damage. On the other hand, the team needed healthy arms in their bullpen because of the AL Central race, and now Bobby Jenks is all alone in the pen. Thornton should only really be held in deeper leagues, as he'll be missing crucial time and Jenks will have the opportunity to nail down the closer role while he is gone.

Matt Thornton (forearm) is expected to be placed on the disabled list Wednesday.

Like with his teammate J.J. Putz, recent tests on Thornton's forearm revealed no structural damage, however he hasn't actually appeared in a game since last Tuesday. There's no sense in wasting a roster spot any longer. Be sure to check and see if Bobby Jenks is still available in your league. He should have the ninth inning all to himself again.

According to White Sox general manager Ken Williams, tests on Matt Thornton (forearm) revealed "no structural damage."

"He should be fine in a couple of days," said Williams, who added that Thornton did have a bit of fluid in the area. He has been able to pitch through some discomfort in the forearm at different points during the season, so we'd expect nothing less with the team in a pennant race. Consider him day-to-day.

Matt Thornton is dealing with soreness in his pitching forearm that will keep him out at least until the middle of the week.

The left-hander, who hasn't pitched since Tuesday, dealt with soreness in the forearm earlier this season but was able to pitch through it. However, it's been getting worse to the point that it hurts to perform some everyday things, and throwing is out of the question at this point. "Usually I could warm up and I would be fine," Thornton said. "Now warming up has turned into some pretty good soreness." Thornton has blown out his elbow before and said this injury doesn't feel like that, but forearm injuries are often a precursor to injuries to the elbow, so the Sox can't be too careful.

Closing once again, All-Star Matt Thornton pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save Sunday versus Texas.

Bobby Jenks was pitched very well being forced away from the team for a family matter, so he's going to get his job back. Nevertheless, the only thing the White Sox lose by going to Thornton in the ninth is the ability to go to him during the eighth.

Matt Thornton picked up his third save of the season on Saturday as the White Sox defeated the Cubs.

Thornton got the nod with a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning because Bobby Jenks was away from the team, attending to a private family matter. The left-handed Thornton has a stellar 1.01 WHIP and 45/11 K/BB ratio this season.

Matt Thornton retired both batters he faced Saturday to earn his first save of the year.

With Jake Peavy in a jam, the White Sox picked Thornton over Bobby Jenks to finihs the ninth inning in a one-run game. He retired Alberto Callaspo and Mitch Maier to finish the frame.