In Joe Espada, Astros players see fiery reflection of themselves
Houston's new manager could lift the Astros to their fifth World Series appearance in the franchise's golden era. Joe Espada has been introduced as Houston Astros manager, focusing on "protecting our culture" as his main mission in 2024. Espada, who served as Houston's primary second baseman for much of April and May in 2023 as Jose Altuve recovered from a hand injury, has been praised by his players as a skilled in-game tactician and a leader in the team. He also emphasized his honesty and commitment to transparency with his players and coaches. Despite a reportedly-rocky relationship with Dusty Baker, Espada's performance in the 2023 season was praised by both Dubón and Peña. He had previously worked as a minor-league player without an official MLB manager's chair.
Publicerad : 4 veckor sedan förbi Michael Shapiro i Sports
Joe Espada isn't looking to overhaul the operations of the Houston Astros in his first year in the manager's chair. Instead, Espada views his move from bench coach to manager as something of a stewardship, with "protecting our culture" serving as his "main mission" in 2024. Yet before Espada logs an official game on his career managerial ledger, it's clear he isn't simply an extension of former manager Dusty Baker.
Dubón had no trouble recalling the competitve fire beneath Espada's eager smile. The 29-year-old served as Houston's primary second baseman for much of April and May in 2023 as Jose Altuve recovered from a hand injury, and while Dubón thrived early at the plate, his defense suffered. Espada spent countless hours refining the defense of Houston's infielders during his stint as the team's bench coach from 2018-23. As Dubón slogged through an early-season drill, Espada was quick to correct his errors.
"Last year, when Jose got hurt. I was struggling taking ground balls," Dubón said. "He took me to the side and everything, and he and [first-base coach Omar Lopez] told me to get my head out of my ass and figure it out. ... I did pretty quickly after that."
Dubón isn't the only Houston player to discuss Espada's demeanor. Starting pitcher Hunter Brown noted "Joe will shoot it to you straight, no doubt." Outfielder Chas McCormick said Espada isn't afraid to "take control" in the clubhouse and on the diamond. This isn't to paint Espada as some sort of authoritarian. He's largely jovial both with the media and Houston's players and coaches, and when told of his "direct" managerial style, Espada asked "who? me?" before letting out a hearty chuckle. Espada isn't looking to intimidate. He's also not one to mince words. In Espada's clubhouse, honesty is the best policy.
"I think the description [of me] is right on," Espada said. "Transparency is important. I like to be honest with my players and with everyone. When you’re honest you get a different answer from the players and you get them to understand that we’re here to win, we’re here to all be on the same page."
Espada's intensity extends past interpersonal dynamics. Houston's manager is lauded by his players as a skilled in-game tactician, a designation he earned as the right-hand man alongside former managers in Baker and A.J. Hinch. Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña deployed a chess analogy to describe Espada as "always three steps ahead," of opposing managers, and Peña's double-play partner Jose Altuve chimed in with a similar refrain: "he just knows the game really, really well."
Baker is a legend of the sport, and he was the right man to lead the Astros after the revelation of their sign-stealing scheme. But Baker's 2023 tactics often left plenty to be desired, both in playing-time deployment and slow hook with postseason pitching changes. Expect Espada to clean up those errors, seizing an edge left on the table in 2023.
Both Dubón and Peña said they hoped Espada would be the choice at manager following Baker's retirement. McCormick was also likely pleased with the hire. The outfielder's reportedly-rocky relationship with Baker was a subplot of the 2023 season, and banana-pudding-related drama aside, McCormick spent much of last season with his playing time in limbo (he logged 403 at-bats across 115 games). A new manager is bringing a new dynamic in 2024.
"[Espada] communicates with you every single day and makes sure you’re on the same page and that’s huge," McCormick told Chron. "He’ll pull me aside and give me some support or some heads up on the game-plan every single day. ... I really appreciate him telling me what my role is and what the plan is for me."
Espada traversed a long road to earn his first shot in an MLB manager's chair. He spent nearly a decade as a minor-league player without ever registering an MLB at-bat. He kickstarted his coaching career bouncing around minors affiliates in Florida, then joined the Marlins, the Yankees, and then the Astros. Interviews for managerial jobs with the Cubs, White Sox and Marlins came and went, leaving Espada to wonder whether he'd ever leap past the role of bench coach. When Espada was introduced as Houston's manager in November, his words were succinct: "This is a dream come true," Espada said. "I just can't express my feelings about how happy I am to stay home and get to manage this team."
Espada's dream is now replaced with reality. He stated Houston's World Series expectations in November and again in February, and given the current roster (and payroll) on hand, Espada's goals should be within reach this fall. As the Astros chase championship No. 3, Espada's players believe he's the right leader for a new era.
Ämnen: Baseball, MLB, Houston Astros