Tigers show interest in Lyon

Tigers show interest in Lyon

While the Tigers are not expected to get deeply involved at the top end of the free-agent relief market, they have indicated early interest in Brandon Lyon, who spent much of the year as Arizona's closer and racked up 26 saves before Chad Qualls took over down the stretch.

The Diamondbacks hold exclusive negotiating rights with Lyon until Friday, but other clubs can talk with the representative agents -- in Lyon's case, agent Barry Meister -- without discussing financial terms. Lyon racked up 19 saves in 23 chances with a 2.43 ERA over the first half last season before struggling after the All-Star break.

The Tigers have also shown interest in former Nationals closer Chad Cordero, likewise a free agent. Detroit has not historically delved into longer-term deals with relievers. That isn't expected to change with Detroit hoping for contributions within the next couple years from a young crop of hard-throwing pitchers in the farm system, including former first-round Draft pick Ryan Perry.

Meister and the Tigers have not had discussions regarding another of his clients, shortstop Edgar Renteria, who became a free agent when Detroit bought out his contract option for 2009.

-- Jason Beck