Tigers Grab a (Brandon) Lyon; Ryan Howard and Phils Prepare to Fight

Tigers Close in on a Closer   The Tigers, continuing to piece together their bullpen, are on the verge of signing former Diamondbacks closer Brandon Lyon to a multi-year contract.   Lyon, 29, began the 2008 season as Arizona’s closer, but late season struggles cost him his job, which was turned over to Chad Qualls. Lyon finished with 26 saves but a very high 4.70 ERA in 61 games. He will, however, be an upgrade over Fernando Rodney or the never-healthy Joel Zumaya in the Detroit bullpen.       Alou to the Phils?   Still waiting to hear from Nomar Garciaparra, the world champion Phillies are not sitting on their hands in trying to acquire a right-handed bat for the bench, having turned their attention to veteran outfielder Moises Alou.   The 42-year-old, who played just 15 games for the New York Mets last season, is hoping to drum up better than a bench job offer by playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball ... (link)