Detroit entered the free agent signing period looking at right-handers Brandon Lyon of Arizona, Chad Cordero of Washington, Trevor Hoffman of San Diego and David Weathers of Cincinnati, plus left-hander Arthur Rhodes of Seattle and Darren Oliver of Anaheim. Cordero is coming off arm surgery.

General manager Dave Dombrowski is seeking an upgrade over Fernando Rodney as the successor to Jones, who didn't pitch the last two months of the season because of shoulder trouble. Jones subsequently retired.

"We're just going to continue to weigh all the options," Dombrowski said, "but we do have people that we feel can contribute for us."

Detroit went wild for closers at the top of its draft last June with an eye on its bullpen problems, but it would be a stretch to ask one of them to jump to closer after less than a full season of pro experience. A mid-year promotion might be something the club would gamble on, although it is expected to sign at least one experienced reliever to beef up its late-inning efforts.

"We have a few needs we're trying to fill," Dombrowski said. "We've committed a lot of resources already, although resources aren't a problem. We have one of the highest payrolls in major league baseball, and we need some of those guys who are being paid well to have good years and at the same time find some people who will make us better.

"We have to weigh some needs for a catcher, at shortstop, and in our bullpen. We've talked to a lot of clubs. A lot happens between now and the Christmas holidays, although it wouldn't surprise me if things (trades and free agent signings) ran later."