From Yordan Alvarez's impact to life without a GM, Joe Espada broke down everything ahead of Houston's Wild Card Series opener against the White Sox.
Joe Espada met with reporters ahead of Tuesday's Wild Card Series opener, as shown in video from Baseball on Fanatics View, and he touched on everything from Yordan Alvarez's impact to how the team has operated without a general manager all season.
1. Yordan Alvarez is the reason they're here
Asked how far Alvarez can carry this team, Espada didn't hold back. He mentioned the Astros simply wouldn't be in this position without him, pointing to what Alvarez brings to the lineup in a short series and how much it matters having Isaac Paredes hitting right behind him. Also mentioning just how great Paredes is at the plate.
2. On the ABS challenge system heading into the postseason
Asked about it, Espada said nothing will change. He made clear you don't alter your approach to something like that just because it's the postseason, especially if it's been working.
3. The plan against the White Sox: attack, don't avoid
Espada acknowledged the challenge of facing a White Sox lineup with real power and athleticism. Houston led the American League in home runs this season, and Espada's plan is to attack areas of weakness and pitch to their own strengths. He emphasized that it comes down to fundamentals and execution.
4. What getting back to the playoffs means to him
Asked what it means to him personally, helping get this team back to the playoffs after missing out last year, Espada pointed to how the team rallies around adversity. "They don't run from it, they actually run to it," he said. He mentioned that they choose to fight and choose to help each other, and he said you see a team's best version when things get harder, which is exactly what he wants to see as a manager.
5. The GM-less setup hasn't changed anything
Espada made clear that operating without a general manager since Dana Brown's departure hasn't been an issue. He mentioned the collaboration has always been there, that he's always been able to raise his opinion and help shape the roster, and that not having a GM in place hasn't changed their process.
6. There's a different energy once October arrives
Asked about the difference between regular season and postseason baseball, Espada mentioned there's a noticeably different energy once the playoffs start, describing his players as eager to get there. He added that while the White Sox are a good team that can pitch, Houston's focus is simply on doing what they do well.
