Brandon Lyon News

So here we are in a town owned by Peyton Manning, with baseball general managers talking trades and schmoozing with agents.

On Thursday, the Phillies announced they signed Placido Polanco to a three-year deal to become their new third baseman.

Free agent closer Mike Gonzalez will reportedly decline Atlanta's arbitration offer.

MLB Trade Rumors has reported A that the New York Yankees are interested in former Boston Red Sox reliever Brandon Lyon.

Free agent right-hander Brandon Lyon is reportedly seeking a multiyear deal and will likely decline the Tigers' arbitration offer.

The Yankees declined to offer salary arbitration to World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Andy Pettitte, a move that means New York would not receive draft picks as compensation if they sign with other teams.

Considering the way the Tigers have used their high-round First-Year Player Draft picks in recent years, an extra first-round selection next summer would be a nice consolation prize for losing Placido Polanco to free agency.

Carl Pavano could have accepted and won a potential $9 million to $10 million one-year contract through arbitration if he would have stayed with the Indians.

With Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez's departures nearly a given in Atlanta, the Braves have to look towards the Free Agent market for their closer.

Recognizing this is a bit radical, but what are the chances that the team would look to trade Miguel Cabrera to get a couple of young position players to fill in some of the team's more glaring needs ? Unloading his contract would allow you to spend the money to keep Placido Polanco, Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney.

The Detroit Tigers set their 40-man roster today, purchasing the contracts of four minor leaguers: second baseman Scott Sizemore, shortstop Audy Ciriaco, first baseman/outfielder Ryan Strieby and outfielder Brennan Boesch.

Their biggest needs, in order, appear to be a back-of-the- bullpen arm with the stuff to pitch the eighth and ninth innings, a multiple-innings arm, and a dependable situational lefty.

With both Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon free agents, Joel Zumaya a constant question mark and Ryan Perry perhaps a year or two away from being handed the reigns to the ninth inning, the Detroit Tigers are looking for a closer for 2010.

Topping the to-do list: Pitching was awful -- starters, relievers, hot dog vendors called to throw an inning.

The Phillies' top priorities this offseason are to upgrade the bench, find a new third baseman, and retool the back end of the bullpen which was so good in their World Series-winning season two baseball years ago.

The Tigers will watch free agency pick up later this week, when players can field offers from all teams.

The World Series may still be fresh in your mind, but MLB GMs are already focusing on next season.

With Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff officially out of the picture, Tigers Insider Steve Kornacki said general manager Dave Dombrowski should now focus his attention on the Tigers' bullpen -- specifically free agent relievers Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon.

Yes, two posts on Curtis Granderson potentially getting traded to the Yankees is necessary.

Brandon Lyon and the Detroit Tigers have a mutual interest in his returning as a vital bullpen component in 2010.