LAKELAND, Fla. -- Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland isn't committed to naming a closer, though Brandon Lyon appears to be the favorite based on his track record. Fernando Rodney has been effective in Grapefruit League games because he's commanding the fastball that got away from him in 2008, and is getting consideration.
"I don't know that we'll have one closer," Leyland said. "You are talking Lyon and Rodney at the end of the game. Hopefully, you've got a couple of guys." Rodney has great stuff and can strike fear into hitters. But he couldn't throw enough strikes last year, walking 30 in 40 innings while going 0-6 with a 4.91 ERA and blowing 6-of-19 save opportunities.
He was shaky in his first Grapefruit League appearance, but has been sharp since. Rodney has allowed no runs on two hits and one walk in his past four outings.
"I am so happy to have good location on both sides of the plate," Rodney said. "That is a good sign for me."
Rodney pitched two innings Wednesday against a group of minor leaguers and Tigers catcher Matt Treanor. He had a 1-2-3 first inning followed by a five-run second highlighted by Treanor's three-run homer.
"He was just working on location and not throwing very hard," Leyland said
Rodney was asked how important the closer role is to him.
"I'll pitch whatever inning they want," he said. "I want to close, but I will take the ball whenever they give it to me."
Lyon, who has excellent control, converted 26-of-31 save opportunities last year for the Arizona Diamondbacks. If Rodney continues to have good command, they will stabilize the back end of the bullpen.
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