When the Astros sent reliever Mark Melancon to the Red Sox in the trade which netted Jed Lowrie, most stories about the deal discussed how the Astros sent their closer to Boston.
When Astros pitchers and catchers reported to Kissimmee several days ago, manager Brad Mills was asked more than once what he planned to do about the closer's role. Mills has not committed to any closer.
Apparently, it's out of sight out of mind in terms of Brandon Lyon. After all, Lyon did sign a three-year, 15 million contract in the winter of 2009 to be the Astros' closer.
Lyon recorded 20 saves in 2010 but pitched in only 15 games last season before it was discovered that he needed surgery to repair his right biceps tendon as well as a tear in in his labrum.
"Anytime you're talking about having a surgeryyou never know," Lyon said. "I'm getting later in my career here. You never know how you're going to bounce back. It's finally time where I feel like all the rehab and the work are paying off."
Lyon...
