From MLBTradeRumors.com



9:04pm: Ken Rosenthal heard from a major league source that Lyon's close to a one year deal worth just under $5MM with the Tigers. The deal includes incentives.

That's a decent deal. Lyon isn't going to be the savior, but he's going to be an asset.

My guess is he's our closer on Opening Day.

That seems excesive for a guy with a 4.7 ERA last year. Todd Jones 2.

Yeah, but to Lyon's defense, in the 38 games he pitched in before the All-Star Break, he had a 2.43 ERA and 19 saves.

Then the D'Backs made Chad Qualls their closer and then in the 22 games after the All-Star Break he had an 8.46 ERA.

So perhaps having a consistent role throughout the entire season will help keep his ERA down...

It's official...Lyons a Tig

Lions are Tigers?

The Tigers also agreed to a minor league deal with right-hander Scott Williamson. He will have a shot at the bullpen if he can approach the form he had in 1999, when he was an All-Star and won the NL Rookie of the Year award while pitching for Cincinnati.

"He said for the first time in years, he's healthy," Dombrowski said.

Williamson had Tommy John elbow reconstructive surgery in 2005 and was limited the next season. San Francisco released him early in spring training last year and he went on to pitch in 15 minor league games. He spent his first four-plus seasons with the Reds and pitched for Boston, the Chicago Cubs, San Diego and Baltimore.

Leyland is hoping Williamson can rejuvenate his career with the Tigers.

"Stranger things have happened," he said.