Patrick Creighton joins the discussion with his fascinating Wins Per WAR analysis using FanGraphs data, comparing the talent and production of Dusty Baker's Astros teams from 2021–2023 with Joe Espada's teams from 2024–2026.
Despite Houston's total team WAR dropping from 57.4 in 2022 to just 28.8 in 2026, Espada managed to guide the Astros to another American League West division championship.
We discuss:
- Why Patrick believes Joe Espada has done more with less.
- How injuries and declining roster talent affected Houston.
- Whether Espada's lineup decisions and bullpen management deserve criticism.
- How much credit Dusty Baker deserves for Houston's previous success.
- Whether owner Jim Crane should retain Joe Espada for 2027.
- What the Astros' next general manager must do to return Houston to World Series contention.
Has Joe Espada been unfairly criticized, or is it time for the Astros to make a managerial change?
Join Brett "Htown Wheelhouse" Chancey and Patrick Creighton for passionate Houston Astros analysis, MLB offseason discussion, and a closer look at the decisions that will shape the franchise's future.
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