I supported the decision to hire Espada. He survived multiple managerial changes - very well thought of by managers and players. Having said that - his strategic decisions in games have overall been BAD. A manager can do that if they are strong leaders and have a team prepared to play… this Astros team hasn’t looked ready to play or prepared. They have stopped doing the small things that adds 5 wins a season. Last -,he isn’t winning and the team lacks consistency. Another 5 game losing streak and he should be let go.,
For me the fact he had several interviews with other teams through the years and was never hired said a whole lot. some people just aren't meant to be the boss. now if Espada was 10 years younger and hadn't been passed over several times I might feel different. We'll see how the season continues to play out. nice win tonight though
All-World Pitcher says "I want the ball", you kind of tend to lean into toward the general direction of giving him the ****ing ball
Nah. Thats what a manager is for- to keep the big picture in mind and do what’s right for the long term as opposed to the heat of the moment. You want your pitcher to want the ball and the skipper to take it from him.
The bad record is in fact due to the fact that Brown, France have been the most healthy of the original starters, and they’ve been lit up early and often. Pressley, Hader, and Abreu (the so called dream team bullpen) well have been bad, individually and as a unit! When they’ve had a lead or at a critical junction of the game, they have tagged hard too blowing saves or giving up leads. And losing close games on account of the bullpen is not only a loss in the column, but demoralizing for any team. Continuing to stay with Jose Abreu and his below the Mendoza line offense production is scary and difficult to overcome, especially at 1st base where it is expected that offense and power should be strong. At least Singleton has good bat discipline and makes the pitchers work to get him out. And who would have thought a Bregman would start the season so horribly? The injuries to Verlander, Urquidy, Valdez, and Javier to start the season really hampered and compounded any problems to the Astros. The good news is that Altuve, Alvarez, Tucker, Diaz, Peña, Verlander, Valdez, Javier, Blanco are playing up to their pedigree. A lot of blame can be placed on Espada, but he’s been dealt a bum deck to start the season. Starting pitchers giving away runs like it were candy, and the time the team fight for a lead, the bullpen blowing a lead and putting the Astros back in a deficit runs. And having clogs like Abreu be practically an automatic out, reminiscent of pitcher trying to hit the baseball. With healthy players slowing getting back to the team, we will see the true managerial style of Espada.
He has been dealt a tough hand, but he hasn't done himself many favors with a lot of the in game decisions he's made either. I'm sure the team will improve, but I'm not so sure that it's going to be because of Espada. Hopefully he can grow into the role with a little more experience, but more likely I think that what you see is what you're going to get from him, and he may not be a very good game manager. We'll see I guess.
I last played organized baseball in Pony league as a 13 year old. That said, this is the advice I would give Espada. 1) if your SP is not an established, veteran star his day is ALWAYS over the first baserunner allows in 6th inning or later. And maybe apply that rule to them also. 2) if your SP has pitched poorly recently, once he has completed 5 innings (if he gets there), ACTIVELY LOOK for a situation to pull him when it will end up being a positive, confidence building outing. Do not allow that to fall away. 3) if a game is still in the balance, never let any RP see a lineup a 2nd time. 4) if a game is out of hand in either direction, do not use any of your leverage relievers unless he hasn't pitched in at least 4 days. 5) To win a game, you can make a decision that may hurt tomorrow's chances, but not one that hurts multiple games chances. 6) it's nearly as important to keep your pitchers from having rust as it is to get them rest. 7) Know that umpiring is awful. Be ready to make challenges quickly and getting thrown out of a game once or twice per month may be a good thing. 8) it is more important to play the guys who are playing the best than it is to play the best players. 9) This is baseball and small samples are useless. If you make a change, give it several games. Don't immediately change back because of 1-2 good or bad games. 10) Put your players in position to succeed and win games by playing them in the best positions and lineup spots. (For example why not DH Altuve and play Dubon at 2b and Yordan in LF when Framber pitches?) Just off the top of my head
Idk how you don’t try and bunt Carantini w JLo. He had absolutely no shot against Clase. Get your slow catcher to 3rd and Dubon brings him home. It just felt like the numbers would’ve strongly leaned in that direction. Espada has left a lot to be desired. At minimum you cant say his managing has led to many wins.
It wasn’t the money. He splits his time with his family between Chicago and a small town in Wisconsin. Geography was a deal breaker for him.
