Brandon Lyon Signs with the Detroit Tigers

Brandon Lyon, who had 26 saves for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, signed a one-year deal to pitch for the Detroit Tigers in 2009. While he wasn’t guaranteed the closer role in Detroit, he will be given a chance to win that job.

Lyon’s contract calls for him to earn a base of $4.25 million with performance bonuses potentially bumping it up to around $5 million. The deal makes sense for both sides. If Lyon is able to win the closer role, he could become a free agent next offseason and cash in. For the Tigers, they are getting a solid reliever for a relatively low investment.

Last season, Lyon wasn’t at his best. The 29-year-old had an ERA of 4.70 and a record of 3-5 to go along with his 26 saves. In 2007, Lyon was much better — sporting a 2.68 ERA as he pitched in the setup role.

In 2009, expect Lyon to battle Fernando Rodney to see which pitcher will become Detroit’s closer. Considering that Rodney is coming off of a shaky season that saw him have an ERA near five, Lyon definitely has a shot to win the gig.