The White Sox have reportedly ruled out one candidate in their manager search.
According to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada is no longer in the running for the managerial vacancy. Merkin says the White Sox have not yet confirmed the news that was relayed by an MLB.com source.
Espada, 47, has been one of the most popular candidates among White Sox fans throughout the hiring process. After already expecting to be a hot commodity among teams with openings this offseason, Houston’s return to the World Series figured to only increase his stock even further.
Having most recently served as Dusty Baker’s bench coach, Espada originally got started as the Marlins’ third base coach from 2010-2013 after spending several seasons as a minor league manager and instructor. He then moved to the Yankees as a special assistant to Brian Cashman before becoming the bench coach for the Astros in 2017.
When it comes to resumes, few have the one Espada possesses at his age. The only thing he is missing is major-league managerial experience. He has been interviewed for several jobs over the past few years, including the Marlins’ most recent opening before Miami hired Skip Schumaker earlier this week. Current signs point to Espada coming up short yet again in a bid for his first Major League managerial job, after previously being considered by such teams as the Mets, Giants, Athletics, Twins, and Cubs over the last few seasons.
Espada’s experience with a winning organization like the Astros certainly adds to his appeal, and he is well-regarded in the Houston clubhouse – including by Baker, himself. However, his failure to land a gig after so many interviews has continued to be a valid concern that is being increasingly raised.
Though this is purely speculation, one possible reason for this decision could be related to Espada’s relationship with Houston. Should the Astros win the World Series, there’s some belief that Dusty Baker may opt to retire. The 73-year-old would end on the highest of notes, claiming his first World Series title in his managerial career. This would open the door for Espada, who would likely be regarded as a heavy favorite, to take over at the helm of the organization he knows best.
With Espada no longer in the picture for the White Sox, the organization’s supposed list of managerial candidates currently sits at five: Miguel Cairo, Ron Washington, Pedro Grifol, Matt Quatraro, and Ozzie Guillen. Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long has also been a name thrown around, though it’s not yet clear if he’s met with the team.
With the manager search expected to reach its conclusion in the coming weeks, we will be providing further updates. Be sure to follow us here and on social media @SoxOn35th!
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“Having most recently served as Dusty Baker’s bench coach, Espada originally got started as the Marlins’ third base coach from 2010-2013 after spending several seasons as a minor league manager and instructor.”
For what it’s worth, that means Joe Espade was coaching under then Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen in 2012. Ironically, Mark Buehrle was also the Marlins ace pitcher that season.
Well there goes my #1 choice..?