Contract status: Signed through 2005.

Acquired: Selected in first round of 1998 draft.

Personal: Lives in Peoria, Ariz. Graduated from Centreville High School in Allendale, Mich., in 1995. He was all-area MVP in basketball three years, and went to Grand Valley State on a basketball scholarship.

2005 outlook: If Thornton makes the team, he'll pitch in middle relief, and could be brought in just to face left-handed hitters. The Mariners are looking for better control — he walked 25 in 32-2/3 innings last season.