With new GM Scott Harris officially brought into the fold, the Giants may also be close to naming a successor to Bruce Bochy as manager. Though the wide-ranging hiring search has seen the club consider as many as ten candidates, “people familiar” with the process indicate that Astros bench coach Joe Espada is the current “frontrunner”, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area (link). Pavlovic adds that Espada was at Oracle Park a few days ago meeting with Giants’ officials.
We have noted a few times on Sunday alone that San Francisco’s pool was believed to be down to Espada, Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro, and former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler. Most intriguing, perhaps, is the revelation that Espada was just recently meeting with club officials, as his second interview was reported as far back as Oct 27–it’s possible that this latest meeting was a third, and perhaps final, interview.
For those who have been keeping tabs on this offseason’s managerial hiring free-for-all, Espada has been a name to watch this winter. The 44-year-old was reportedly considered for the Angels post that went to Joe Maddon, in addition to the still-vacant Pirates seat. But the Astros coach, whose only managerial experience came in Puerto Rican winter ball in 2012, will be best remembered for his eleventh-hour surge in the Cubs’ interview process. Though that job ultimately went to David Ross, Espada may finally find a home with a Giants franchise that currently sits in the midst of a pivotal offseason.
I liked Joe when he was a coach on the Yankees. He’s not been around organizations used to winning. Probably a good fit for the Giants.
Giants have won a few times and the Astros and the Yankees
The Yankees and Astros aren’t winning clubs?
I’m sure he meant winning the World Series. Espada had some memorable gaffes as the third base coach that I still vividly remember, but he was a good guy. Must’ve really turned heads in Houston as well to be considered by so many teams
Bench coach for the World Series champs of 2016 and reigning 2019 al champs….and before his time with them he was on the Yankees who never had a losing season under Girardi….sooooo how has he not be with clubs used to winning ?
That’s just some bonehead trying to be snarky.
Oh oh, here we go!
No idea who Oxfords team is, but I can guarantee they havent won Three Championships this decade. Probably haven’t won One. Which would explain his bitterness. Haha.
Pull the trigger already.
Ox your hallucinating
And Hensley Meulens heading to the Marlins Staff
Perhaps someday he’ll be Yankees manager. Part of me will always wonder if he’d be the better choice over Boone right now.
It’s harder to root for the Giants since they let John Barr go.
John Barr still works for the Giants. Senior advisor to the president.
completely random and unfounded comment..
It looks like the analytics should be strong from the executive office to the dugout.
Harris must have been impressed with Espada as he interviewed with Chicago
Does he speak Spanish? Seems to be the trend and rightly so. Managers are pretty much just communication specialists nowadays.
Espada was the runner up w the Cubs. I’m sure w Scott Harris becoming GM he’ll be able to provide insight for Espada’s meetings w Jed/Theo and I assume himself. I’m guessing Espada will be named by Wednesday, if not Tuesday.
I like this move the best. Kapler had his chance. He seems like a risky move based on the results in Philly. And the Dodgers minor league mishap. At least from all the info surrounding him. I wouldn’t mind have Kapler in the Org. Maybe to Manage the Triple A team learning for a few seasons. Or something else. But I thought he was very Risky.
As for the others. Filler names that maybe caught fire. It seems Farhan was working thru them, in this process. The same way he works thru players. To find a diamond in the rough. The Rays Guy. And Royals guy seemed like very good filler names. Who might be good enough.
But Espada clearly is the most intriguing name. Having worked with both the Yankees & Astros… I’m curious how he melds with Farhan and now Harris. I hope he isn’t Too fiery. And burns himself out of town. But in a few years. Thru this transition. It might not be horrible if he doesn’t work out. They can go find a guy to take us all the way. Instead of thru the wreckage. Might get ugly for a few more seasons. While I hope they at least contend for .500 Makes it more fun to watch a free games.
I like Espada. I hope those 3 can work well together. . .
Definitely not Kepler…….Wotus was the best choice, but Espada seems like that he would be an excellent pick to succeed Bochy…..hopefully they will keep Wotus as the bench coach as he has vast knowledge and experience that would help Espada make the transition from the bench to manager.
Hey Crook,
I really hope they keep Wotus as well, but he has been the third base coach the last few seasons after they gave bench coach to Hensley Meullens. I hope he stays and Wotus was the bench coach under bochy during the World Series giants teams but they made a switch a few years back.I almost thought it was a way they were grooming Muellens to be the next coach but clearly now that isn’t the case.
The Evil Empire has been losing as had the Phillies. You can’t blame Kapler for that, as you can’t say ‘Joe’ is with winning teams, cuz he wasn’t a WS winner on the bench. I just think cuz someone is from the NYY doesn’t mean they’re the best, really.
About time he had a chance!