With the signing of Brandon Lyon, the Detroit Tigers have presumably rounded out their bullpen for 2009.  Yet apparently, there was still some question as to whether or not a mediocre left-hander could be added to the relief corps.  At least that's what I'm assuming, since the news of John Parrish signing with Baltimore appears to be, well, news among the Tigers beat crew.

Yes, that's right.  If you didn't already know, hopefully you're sitting down as you read this.  Parrish, whose notable quality seemed to be that he was "a less expensive option than Joe Beimel" is opting for crab cakes over Coneys.  Inner Harbor over Hart Plaza.  The Orioles' minor league deal over a similar offer from the Tigers. 

On a more serious note, Parrish may have chosen Baltimore for a chance to compete for a job in the starting rotation (where Buster Olney sees an opening), as opposed to the relief role he likely would've had in Detroit.  As a starter with the Blue Jays' Triple-A team last season, Parrish posted a 10-1 record and 2.97 ERA in 13 starts.  (In the majors, he was 1-1 with a 5.10 ERA in six starts.) 

No word as to whether the Tigers still intend to pursue another lefty for their bullpen, or if they're content to let Clay Rapada and Kyle Bloom fight it out for that second southpaw role behind Bobby Seay.  (And I think that's the first time I've ever used the term "southpaw" here, which I'm going to consider a triumph.)