Astros bench coach Joe Espada has interviewed with several clubs over the last few years, but being Dusty Baker's right-hand man isn't a bad way to bide his time.
Joe Espada, left, has the eternal gratitude of Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña, who hasn't forgotten the attention the bench coach gave him during spring training in 2019.Jeremy Peña spent his first spring training trying to stay unnoticed. The Astros did not invite him to major league camp in 2019, but Peña traveled to some Grapefruit League games as a backup for the big leaguers. He arrived at Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Espada’s eyes must be everywhere. Spring training’s priority is preparing the major league team for its season. Noticing the next wave of talent is a byproduct. Houston had Carlos Correa under team control for three more seasons, but perhaps Espada envisioned life without him when seeing the new draft pick. Peña received more invitations to major league spring training games after meeting the bench coach.
“He for sure embodies every quality that you like in a leader,” third baseman Alex Bregman said. “He definitely is . He’s a great teacher of the game, student of the game.” Four teams are searching for managers this winter. Espada profiles as an attractive candidate for all of them, but it is difficult to ignore his connections with the Miami Marlins, who are seeking a replacement for Don Mattingly. Espada worked for the Marlins from 2007-13, ascending to third-base coach before departing for a stint in the New York Yankees organization.
Throughout the season, all signs pointed to Espada's managing Team Puerto Rico during next March’s World Baseball Classic. Espada said he and Eduardo Pérez, the team’s general manager, already had conversations about staff construction and player acquisition. , citing “differences” with Puerto Rico Baseball Federation president Dr. Jose Quiles Rosas. Earlier this month, Espada said he “still hasn’t gotten clarity” about how another job slipped away.
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