The Tigers are close to a one-year agreement with free-agent right-hander Brandon Lyon, according to major-league sources.

The deal will be for $4.25 million plus incentives, one source said, and is contingent on Lyon passing a physical

The A's, Twins and Dodgers, meanwhile, are pursuing right-hander Russ Springer, sources say, with the Twins also considering Eric Gagne, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Lyon, 29, would give the Tigers another option at closer to go with right-hander Fernando Rodney, who currently is slated for the role.

Lyon's agent, Barry Meister, had told teams that he has a two-year, $9 million offer for his client, but the Tigers apparently offered a better opportunity. The Cardinals also had discussed Lyon as a possible late-inning option.

Earlier this season, the Cardinals lost out to the Angels for free-agent lefty Brian Fuentes. The team wants to add a veteran who would allow Chris Perez time to grow into the closer's role.

The Tigers are in somewhat of a similar position with Joel Zumaya, who is recovering from shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready for spring training.

Detroit Tigers News News » Sources: A's, Twins, Dodgers pursue Springer 2009-01-23
Sources: A's, Twins, Dodgers pursue Springer 2009-01-23
The bullpen market is bubbling. MLB Hot Stove