Earlier today, we heard that Brandon Lyon's number one priority this winter is signing a multi-year deal. This raises the obvious question: which teams in need of bullpen help will be willing to make a long-term commitment to the right-hander?
The 30-year-old is coming off perhaps his best season, in which he earned $4.25MM. In 65 appearances, Lyon worked 78.2 IP, recording a 2.86 ERA and holding batters to just a .205 average. Lyon gained some closing experience in Arizona in 2008, but wasn't exactly dominant in the role, losing the job toward the end of the year and finishing with a 4.70 ERA.
There's an uncertain market for Lyon's services. On one hand, he has been mostly reliable over the last few years and is coming off a very successful stint with the Tigers. Conversely, he's never put together two great seasons in a row, and was pitching in a contract year in 2009.
How do you expect the market for Lyon to play out? Which teams will be interested, and how much will they offer? Personally, I see Lyon earning $4.5-5MM per year over two or three seasons with a team like the Phillies, or perhaps somewhere where he'd have a chance to close (Tampa Bay?). Let us know in the comments section what you think.
