The Astros Should Add Boone Logan As Closer

It is no secret that the Houston Astros bullpen was awful during the 2013 season. The struggles were highlighted after the trade of Jose Veras to the Detroit Tigers. Through the course of the season, however, the bullpen compiled a win-loss record of 14-40 with a 4.92 ERA. The next-worst in MLB was a 4.58 figure posted by the Seattle Mariners.

The signing of Chad Qualls late last week signals that the organization is seeking established veterans to add to the bullpen. Boone Logan has 8 seasons of MLB experience while combining for an ERA of 4.39 between the Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, and New York Yankees.  He has primarily been used as a left-handed specialist by the New York Yankees. With this role in 2013 he appeared in 61 games and pitched 39 innings. He is effective against both lefties and righties with a .215 BAA versus lefties and a .239 versus righties. Logan also has a career 9.0 K/9 rate.

With the Winter Meetings taking place this week, many teams are looking to fill their respective needs. The Astros definitely could use the services of a left handed reliever. Logan may have deterred some interest as he desires an upgraded role in free agency as Dan Kolko tweets:

The Houston Astros would be a logical fit for Logan. He is from Texas and it would be a homecoming in a way. He graduated high school in San Antonio.

Despite his veteran status, Logan is still young. He doesn’t turn 30 until late in the 2014 season. The Astros could attract him with the possibility of Logan closing games. This could be a similar deal as Jose Veras received in 2013 — but without the intention of being on the block near the trade deadline. Logan would have to compete with Chad Qualls and Josh Fields during Spring Training for the job.

Boone Logan

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