Lyon's share not there in Arizona

Brandon Lyon, who saved 26 games for the Diamondbacks in 2008, declined an arbitration offer from the team. He was stellar in April, May and September (2.77, 0.00 and 3.86 ERAs), but he looked gruesome in June, July and August (4.91, 6.52, and 12.27). That's why he lost his closer job late in the year. That's why he likely didn't get the offer he was seeking from Arizona. That's why he'll seek greener pastures.

"I just want to keep my options open," Lyon said. "After making it six years in this game, it's maybe time to explore these options and see what's out there."

Lyon said he has yet to receive a concrete offer from a team but has received interest from "a lot of teams."

The Diamondbacks will receive one compensatory draft pick should Lyon, a Type B free agent, sign elsewhere.

As for the Diamondbacks, Lyon doesn't sound confident about working out a deal.

"I wish we could have worked something out," Lyon said. "It's not looking like anything is going to get done, with the amount they have to spend and the way the economy is."

Lyon makes for a pretty good setup option for an MLB club, and he's a decent backup closer heading into next season. He holds fantasy value for that reason, but a contending team is unlikely to give him a shot unless it's desperate.