Current Contract
Signed to a minor league contract in December of 2008. Declared free agency in November, 2009.

Became a Cardinal
Signed a minor league free agent contract on December 16, 2008. Received an invitation to 2009 major league spring training camp.

2008 Season
Spent the 2008 regular season in the Boston Red Sox organization, at Class AAA Pawtucket. The second baseman led the International League with 160 hits and ranked third in batting average at .316. Following the regular season, Thurston played winter ball for Ponce in Puerto Rico.

Career Notes
Originally selected in 1997 by the Boston Red Sox in the 45th round (1,332nd overall) of the Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign, choosing to attending Sacramento City College. Drafted again in 1999, this time by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 4th round (134th overall).

Prior to the 2008 season, Thurston has appeared in 58 major-league games in a 10-year pro career. He has a .234 career average with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and Red Sox.

Player Awards
International League All-Star 2B - 2006
Dodgers MiLB Player of the Year - 2002
Pacific League All-Star 2B - 2002
AAA Player of the Year - 2002
Dodgers MiLB Player of the Year - 2000
California League All-Star SS - 2000

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