MLB Rumors: The Rockies might not be able to afford Boone Logan anymore

Colorado Rockies Rumors: Boone Logan Price Too High? | Rox Pile

The idea has been floated that the Rockies should look to bring back left-handed reliever Boone Logan. Logan was the Rockies' most reliable reliever in 2016, which was the final year in a three-year $16.5 million contract he signed prior to the 2014 season. At the time, the price seemed pretty high for a reliever, but that would be a bargain heading into 2017.

Kevin Henry writes that the four year contract worth $30.5 million the Cardinals recently gave Brett Cecil gives us a pretty good idea that re-signing Logan might be a little too costly in terms of years and money.

Cecil, also a lefty, profiles similarly to Logan. Over the past three seasons, Cecil has struck out 11.92 batters per nine innings, while Logan has struck out 11.22. Cecil, however, has only walked about three batters per nine innings, whereas Logan has walked four per nine. The comparison isn't perfect, however, at least not right now. Cecil is two years younger than Logan is, and Logan has become a pitcher who can only reliably get lefties out. When the Rockies signed him prior to 2014, he was regarded as a set-up reliever about as effective against righties as lefties. That's how Cecil is viewed right now.

Essentially, Brett Cecil, free agent heading into 2017, is a very good comparison to Boone Logan, free agent heading into 2014. That Cecil is getting an extra year and almost twice as much money as Logan did indicates how much the market for relievers has changed. And that also provides insight into how much of an investment the Rockies will need to make even for a middling free agent reliever. It really might not be a bad idea for the Rockies to sit tight, hope that a core of Adam Ottavino, Carlos Estevez, Chris Rusin, and possibly Jairo Díaz or Miguel Castro, can keep the bullpen afloat. And then, if the Rockies are in contention into July, pull from minor league depth to make a trade for a top shelf reliever.

The Rockies are certainly capable of giving Logan enough years and money to entice a return, but it might not be worth it.

Sunday Notes: Black on Scioscia, Padres Kids, Baby Cakes, more | FanGraphs

David Laurila relays a conversation he recently had with Bud Black about Angels' manager Mike Scioscia. It provides a glimpse into Black's approach, especially given his experience as a special assistant to Angels' general manager Billy Eppler during the 2016 season. Black praises the relationship Scioscia had with Eppler, especially in the openness both sides showed when discussing things such as implementing strategies such as the shift. In this respect, Black sees a trait that he hopes he has as well: "I'd like to think I'm progressive enough to be open as well," he told Laurila.

In terms of the role of a manager, success should entail curiosity, receptiveness, and the willingness to take advice regarding implementing the front office's ideas. Whether or not that translates into enough wins for contention is neither clear nor necessarily anything Black, as a manger, can control.