Milwaukee Brewers: How’s the bullpen look with Boone Logan?

Rumors are swirling around a potential contract between the Milwaukee Brewers and left-hander Boone Logan. How would the Brewers bullpen look with Logan added to the mix? Is there still a need to add an arm, or can the team head to Opening Day without making additional moves?

Boone Logan is the quintessential LOOGY. He’s thrown fewer innings than games appeared almost every season of his career.

He’s faced 1,030 lefties, and 882 righties in his career. He owns a .298 wOBA against left-handers, and a .357 wOBA against right-handers. It’s pretty clear that if he lands with the Milwaukee Brewers, he’s not going to throw full innings.

Who’s the closer?

Corey Knebel is the unquestioned closer of the Milwaukee Brewers, and one of the top five relievers in all of baseball. If the Brew Crew enter the ninth inning with a lead, it’s game over. Getting to the ninth inning, however…

What’s the bridge to Knebel look like?

It really hasn’t changed. Logan (Loogan?) will come in for one tough lefty and then hit the showers. Josh Hader is capable of working a full inning, and Jacob Barnes needs to bounce back after a rough second half. After that, the Milwaukee Brewers are looking at Jeremy Jeffress and Oliver Drake.

If the Milwaukee Brewers do add Logan, it means Wei-chung Wang is likely ticketed for Colorado Springs. Carrying three lefties isn’t a likely scenario.

Do the Milwaukee Brewers still need to add to the bullpen?

Yes. They still need another arm to round out the bullpen. Anthony Swarzak would be an ideal option in this situation, but he’s going to get a lot of money from the Mets. Knebel, Logan, Hader, Barnes, and Jeffress are locks to make the Opening Day roster. That leaves two slots for right-handers. Drake will compete with names like Junior Guerra and Yovani Gallardo for mop up duties. Another power arm to build a bridge to Knebel is still needed.

What about Brent Suter?

Unless Josh Hader transitions into a starting role, Brent Suter could end up the victim of a roster crunch. He has to win the fifth starter’s role in order to make the team, or switch to the bullpen if Hader starts. He could very well end up with Colorado Springs.

Next: Could the Giants come calling for Brewers outfielders?

Adding Boone Logan to the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen is an upgrade over a few of the guys who haunted their relief corps last year. However, Logan doesn’t completely solve the issues in the bullpen. He would be a welcome addition, but more work is needed. Preferably a power righty to handle the eighth inning.