The importance of a bench coach is often underrated in MLB.
They are responsible for discussing and outlining game strategy with the manager and the people responsible for making baseball decisions in a club.
It’s not a coincidence that the bench coach is the second most important position after the manager on the coaching staff.
After being the Houston Astros bench coach since 2018 and helping them advance to six straight American League Championship Series, Joe Espada is finally getting his golden chance.
“The Houston Astros are hiring Joe Espada as their manager, turning to their longtime bench coach. Espada, 48, has been vital helping the Astros reach seven straight ALCS,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweeted.
Those who have followed the Astros know that this is a smart baseball man with a modern approach that really understands his players’ strengths and weaknesses.
He was my pick after Hinch, but I get Crane’s thoughts on going with Dusty. We is even more my pick now. I continue to point to his brilliant handling of the end of game 5 of the ALCS as a window into how much he understands his guys and how to best use them
— TalkinStros (@TalkinStros) November 12, 2023
ur 2024 world series champions
— ysl__mikeyy (@toast25_9) November 12, 2023
— Houston Burner (@BurnerHouston) November 12, 2023
However, others are a bit more skeptical:
Who!!!
— Casey (@Caseyyy727) November 12, 2023
The majority of the fanbase, however, agrees on the fact that Espada has earned this opportunity and he is the right choice to manage the post-Baker Astros.
He has been an MLB coach since 2010, with the Miami Marlins.
He then joined the New York Yankees from 2015 to 2017, and the Astros in 2018.
Espada also managed the Puerto Rican national baseball team in the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classic, finishing second in both.
He also accumulated managerial experience in the Marlins minor league system and with the Gigantes de Carolina of the Puerto Rican winter league.
Espada is now the future of the Astros, as a new era begins for the franchise.
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