“He’s just like us”: In Joe Espada, Astros players see fiery reflection of themselves
March 28, 2024
“He’s just like us”: In Joe Espada, Astros players see fiery reflection of themselves
2 comments
Happy Opening Day r/Astros! We’ve got a profile up today on Joe Espada as he starts his first season as manager.
>Espada’s arrival as manager is a spark plug for Houston in Year 8 of their dynasty. An intensity unseen in recent years is to be expected at Minute Maid Park this summer.
>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](https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/astros-jose-altuve-miss-8-10-weeks-broken-thumb-17848028.php), 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.”
2 comments
Happy Opening Day r/Astros! We’ve got a profile up today on Joe Espada as he starts his first season as manager.
>Espada’s arrival as manager is a spark plug for Houston in Year 8 of their dynasty. An intensity unseen in recent years is to be expected at Minute Maid Park this summer.
>”Joe’s honest, he’s direct, he won’t beat around the bush,” Astros utility ace [Mauricio Dubón](https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/houston-astros-mauricio-dubon-walkoff-18378627.php) told Chron. “Guys respect him a lot here. And we know how Joe is.”
>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](https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/astros-jose-altuve-miss-8-10-weeks-broken-thumb-17848028.php), 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.”
He’s literally me