HOUSTON, TX — A month after the Houston Astros’ ex-manager Dusty Baker announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, the Astros finally decided on a new skipper to lead Houston into the future. Officially announced on Monday, November 13, owner Jim Crane and General Manager Dana Brown named Joe Espada as the Astros’ new manager.
Espada served as the Astros’ bench coach and right-hand man to Dusty Baker over the past few seasons, including Houston’s 2022 Championship run. He was hired by Houston prior to the 2018 season and served as a tactical advisor to Baker and a player development coach. Jeremy Pena and Mauricio Dubon’s success can be attributed to Espada’s tutelage over the past two seasons.
The 48-year-old now has the chance, and the added pressure, to bring the perennial championship expectations to fruition. Espada has playing experience in the minor leagues. He played in the minors from 1996-2005 and then coached in the majors with the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees before joining the Astros. His managing experience includes his the manager of the Puerto Rico National team.
According to Chron.com, "[We wanted] leadership skills, someone who could communicate, someone who would collaborate, and ultimately, someone who is humble," Astros’ GM Dana Brown said. "We came up with the right man for the job."
Houston fell one game short of another World Series appearance last month when the Astros fell in Game 7 to the eventual champions, Texas Rangers. Pitching headed into next season is the biggest question mark for Houston. The Astros still have starts in Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez, but a lackluster postseason from Valdez and an up-and-down performance from the bullpen needs to be addressed.
Hopefully, Espada can be the one to lead the Astros to another championship.
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