Brandon Lyon Rumors
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [June 25, 2009 at 10:59am CST]
Lynn Henning of the Detroit News predicts how the Tigers will handle four impending free agents this offseason: Placido Polanco "will likely be allowed to chase free agency" as the Tigers look for another second baseman. The Tigers are thinking about Joel Zumaya as their 2010 closer, but they'll likely offer Fernando Rodney arbitration anyways. Henning says Rodney's a good bet to sign a multi-year deal elsewhere. Henning expects Brandon Lyon to receive an offer of arbitration. The Tigers love Adam Everett and want him back, so much so that they may offer him a contract before he hits free...
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By Tim Dierkes [January 30, 2009 at 5:15pm CST]
FRIDAY, 5:15pm: MLB.com's Steve Gilbert confirms that the Diamondbacks are closing on an agreement with Gordon. "We don't have a deal yet, but we're close," said Flash's agent, Rick Thurman. THURSDAY, 10:31pm: Piecoro spoke with Thurman, who said, "We've had a number of conversations and we're getting close." Gordon expects to be ready for Opening Day following October elbow surgery. If he's throwing well, I'm surprised there aren't more suitors. THURSDAY, 12:10pm: According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the D'Backs are interested in free agent reliever Tom Gordon. Flash, 41, has been affected by elbow injuries the last...
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By Tim Dierkes [January 27, 2009 at 9:52am CST]
Links for Tuesday... Chat today, 2pm CST. Rangers president Nolan Ryan called the Winter Meetings "a big waste of money and time." Nationals GM Jim Bowden implied that a Tom Glavine signing is unlikely. Kyle Lohse feels the pain of all the unsigned free agents; he didn't sign until March 14th last year. Lohse said he "put a lot of pressure on all parties" to get his four-year, $41MM extension done on September 29th. Given that it wasn't on the open market, Scott Boras did well for Lohse. The Dodgers prefer Dennys Reyes over Luis Ayala, says Ken Gurnick. Joe...
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By Tim Dierkes [January 24, 2009 at 12:34pm CST]
12:34pm: The AP reports that the deal pays Lyon $4.25MM in guaranteed money, but could be worth up to $500K more. 11:09am: The AP reports the Tigers announced the deal at TigerFest. SATURDAY, 8:44am: MLB.com's Jason Beck also hears from an industry source that Lyon's nearing a one year deal with the Tigers. Beck expects an official announcement this morning at TigerFest. FRIDAY, 8:30am: Lyon's agent Barry Meister says, "We continue to work through it. Everything is moving forward." Lyon is at home in Utah currently. THURSDAY, 9:04pm: Ken Rosenthal heard from a major league source that Lyon's close to...
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By Tim Dierkes [January 22, 2009 at 11:12am CST]
La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune checks in with the latest on the Twins. Free agent third baseman Joe Crede will work out for scouts next week, and the Twins are expected to attend. Neal's source says Crede believes he's finally overcome his back problems with a minor surgery this winter. He's willing to sign for one year to re-establish himself. Brandon Lyon and Eric Gagne remain in the Twins' sights, with the Twins "swapping offers" with Scott Boras for Gagne. Neal was able to confirm a rumor first reported by Seth Stohs: the Twins have interest...
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By Drew Silva [January 16, 2009 at 8:41pm CST]
MLB.com's Kelly Thesier has an update on the Twins' ongoing search for a setup man. According to her report, the team is focused on Brandon Lyon and Eric Gagne. Lyon has drawn interest from several teams this offseason and, according to his agent, could sign with one of them next week. The Tigers and Cardinals are two of the teams in pursuit of his services. The 29-year-old righty posted a 4.70 ERA while recording 26 saves for the Diamondbacks last season. A source told Thesier that the Twins have actually discussed terms with Gagne's representatives. He's coming off his worst...
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By Tim Dierkes [January 16, 2009 at 3:00pm CST]
The latest from Ken Rosenthal... The Braves are pulling back for the moment in their search for an outfield bat. They'll hope for a free agent bargain or the right trade. Rosenthal says they're torn about Andruw Jones. The Braves seek a right-handed hitter but aren't dead set on it. They were unwilling to meet the Yankees' demands for Xavier Nady. Brandon Lyon's agent is telling teams he has a two-year, $9MM offer in hand (Kyle Farnsworth money). The Tigers or Twins are possibilities there, while the Cardinals may have offered one year. Jon Paul Morosi confirms Detroit's interest, but...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [January 15, 2009 at 6:37pm CST]
The Tigers are interested in Jason Isringhausen and Brandon Lyon, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck. Four teams with closer needs are considering Isringhausen, according to his agent, Dan Horwits. Isringhausen could make a decision by next week. Ken Rosenthal had a similar report yesterday that suggested the Cardinals could be interested and the Dodgers aren't. Beck writes that Lyon's on a "similar timetable." Lyon's agent, Barry Meister, says his client has drawn interest from four or five teams. Some teams view him as a setup man and others can see him pitching in the eighth and ninth innings. The Tigers...
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By Nat Boyle [January 9, 2009 at 10:27pm CST]
A week ago, John Perrotto mentioned Tony La Russa was considering using Chris Carpenter as a closer. Today, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports Cardinals GM John Mozeliak is comfortable turning toward internal options to fill the closer role. Chris Perez and Jason Motte, as well as Ryan Franklin are listed as most likely options. Franklin had 17 saves last season for St. Louis. Leach mentions the Cardinals could attempt to work out a deal for Brandon Lyon or Juan Cruz, as well as the possibility of signing free agent Chad Cordero, to add depth and expand their options in the...
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By Ben Jones [January 5, 2009 at 11:53pm CST]
11:53pm: More from Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Strauss suggests GM John Mozeliak hopes to swap an outfielder for a closer-quality arm. Any suggestions? Strauss adds that the Cardinals inquired on John Smoltz. At least seven teams have shown some level of interest in Smoltz, who most expect to return to Atlanta. 8:20pm: The Associated Press has a slightly different take on the Cardinals' approach to a closer. La Russa told the AP that Chris Carpenter could return to the bullpen if the club deems that move will be the best scenario for both parties: "We want Chris...
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